Report: Seattle crane count drops amid building boom

The Seattle crane count has declined for the first time in years of towers altering the city’s skyline.

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The Seattle Times reports that the Emerald City still has more construction cranes standing than other major U.S. cities. But according to the most recent count in January, there were 45 construction cranes — a 22 percent drop within six months. Not only did Seattle experience a drop, it is the only U.S. city to experience a decrease in cranes.

It’s the lowest Seattle crane count since July 2015, the Times reports. The city has been no. 1 ever since July 2016. It has maintained that lead ever since — a sign of its building boom and thriving economy. Last January, there were 62 cranes standing in Seattle.

Seattle is still in first place despite the drop in numbers. Tied for second place are three cities with 36 cranes each: Chicago, Denver, and Los Angeles. Seattle’s Northwest neighbor, Portland, has 32 cranes.

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As Seattle’s tech industry boomed in recent years, so did the need for office space and housing to accommodate a tidal wave of new workers in the city. Seattle has become the fastest-growing city in America, experiencing a net gain of 21,000 residents between 2015 and 2016 — essentially 57 new people each day. It has led to a construction race to accommodate the need. The affects can be felt as much as 50 miles away.

It has also led to a housing crisis, pushing out long-term residents and people at the lower end of the economic ladder. Seattle is now scrambling to provide affordable housing and is slated to spend $100 million on such homes.

Seattle is also upzoning many neighborhoods to allow for more apartment construction. Area agencies are also targeting neighborhoods around future light rail stations for affordable housing.

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