Portland, Oregon lives up to its reputation as a testing ground for urbanism innovation by approving what will become the nation's tallest wood framed building.
"An 11-story timber high-rise planned in Portland's Pearl District has been approved for construction," reports Elliot Njus, "a milestone for wood technology that could allow for even taller timber buildings."
"At 148 feet, the Framework building will be the nation's first high-rise building made of wood," adds Njus.
As reported in another article by Njus and Molly Harbarger, Portland is pressing for more wood construction to support the region's timber industry.
Other cities around the world, like Toronto, are allowing larger wood framed buildings because they tend to be cheaper than steel framed buildings. High profile examples of timber skyscrapers have been proposed in Paris and Minneapolis. Skepticism toward the building practice can still be found in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs, however, which recently took steps to limit the construction of wood framed buildings.
FULL STORY: Timber high-rise planned in Pearl District gets construction permit
Wood Frame Construction Has Yet to Catch Up to Regulations in Toronto
When it comes to housing construction, the best intentions of regulators aren't always enough to sway the market.
Building Material of the Future: Wood
A proposed development in in the North Loop section of Minneapolis would be the first of its kind. According to the architect behind the design, the "T3" project, as its known, could be a harbinger of buildings to come.
Atlanta Suburb Limits Wood-Framed Buildings
In an era where cities all over the world are allowing larger and taller wood-framed buildings, the city of Sandy Springs just approved sweeping limitations on the construction practice.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Report: Bike Lanes Can't Make up for New Roads
If California wants to meet its climate goals, the state must stop funding its myriad road construction and expansion projects.
Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Largest in 20 Years
The city opened its first large multifamily affordable housing complex in decades, but a recent court ruling against the Minneapolis 2040 rezoning plan could jeopardize future projects.
NYC Mayor Proposes Eliminating Parking Minimums
Mayor Adams wants to stop requiring off-site parking for new buildings to reduce the costs of construction as part of the ‘City of Yes’ package of zoning reforms.
Urban3
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
Lassen County Planning and Building Services
City of San Carlos
National Capital Planning Commission
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
