Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Established in2002
Located inChicago, Illinois, USA
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Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Vancouver Rezoning In Tods Triples Height Of High-Rise ProposalA rezoning application for a major redevelopment at 2219–2285 Cambie Street in Vancouver has been submitted, significantly increasing the scale from an original design of 10 stories to 32 stories, and shifting the focus from office space to rental housing. The newly proposed 101.2-meter building will include a mix of residential, office, and retail uses. A vacant two-story commercial building is currently on the lot and would be replaced.
Located at the northwest corner of Cambie Street and West 7th Avenue, the site lies between Olympic Village and Broadway, near City Hall SkyTrain stations, all within a five-minute walk. Policy changes to Vancouver’s Broadway Plan and updates to protected view cone regulations in 2024 have enabled greater building heights and residential use in this transit-oriented area.
The project now proposes 212 secured rental units, including 170 market-rate and 42 below-market homes, aligning with the Broadway Plan’s requirement to designate 20 percent of rental housing at below-market rates. The unit mix includes 21 studios, 116 one-bedroom, 54 two-bedroom, and 21 three-bedroom units. A rooftop level will feature indoor and outdoor amenities for residents.
Despite the shift toward housing, the development maintains a commercial component with approximately 4,924 square meters of office space across floors two through five, and 372 square meters of ground-level retail and restaurant space fronting Cambie Street.
In total, the building will provide approximately 21,090 square meters of floor area, achieving a floor area ratio (FAR) of 14.37 on the 1,470 square meter lot. The design includes five underground levels with 134 vehicle parking spaces—89 for residents, 41 for office use, and four for retail. Bicycle infrastructure will include 424 secured spaces, mostly located on an intermediate P0 level that leverages the site’s slope.
Learn more at Daily Hive Urbanizedmixed-use
Apr 10, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Construction And Consulting Engineering Firm Acquires Leading Vertical Transportation CompanyCTBUH member firm, DeSimone Consulting Engineering has acquired KP Elevator Consulting, part of an ongoing strategy to curate and broaden its multi-service platform with specialized expertise to benefit clients worldwide.
The acquisition of the San Francisco-based consultancy will enable DeSimone to offer a full range of vertical transportation consulting services. From due diligence and concept development through final construction of vertical transportation solutions for new, renovated, and converted buildings, the merger will enhance and complement DeSimone’s extensive engineering and consulting capabilities.
“The exceptional quality of work and professionalism we’ve experienced in our past collaborations with KP Elevator Consulting has truly impressed us,” said Stephen V. DeSimone, PE, Chairman and CEO of DeSimone Consulting Engineering. “KP’s high level of skill and expertise aligns closely with DeSimone’s commitment to providing our clients with superior quality and service. Bringing this recognized leader in vertical transportation in-house enables us to offer an important new service in response to our clients’ needs.”Â
Under the leadership of founder Kelly Houlihan, QEI, a 37-year industry veteran, KP Elevator Consulting brings to DeSimone an impressive track record in delivering complex vertical transportation projects. The consultancy has served as a trusted partner to such industry leaders as The Space Needle in Seattle, Greystar, Hines, Tishman Speyer, the Federal Reserve, and The Orden Company. Going forward, KP will operate under the DeSimone banner, merging with the company’s existing San Francisco office.
Houlihan will lead DeSimone’s new Vertical Transportation team as a firm Principal. He reflected on the merger with DeSimone, saying, “Having collaborated with property managers, owners, architects, developers, and elevator contractors to successfully complete hundreds of complex vertical engineering projects, we’re excited to bring our experience in innovative vertical transportation solutions to DeSimone, and look forward to collaborating on groundbreaking projects with the global DeSimone team.”
DeSimone’s acquisition of KP Elevator Consulting is the latest in a series of strategic moves by the global engineering services company aimed at expanding the firm’s capabilities and resources while offering local experience and presence. Since 2020, DeSimone has grown its total workforce to nearly 700, adding new offices in the US, Canada, and the UK.
DeSimone prioritizes building long-term client partnerships, while elevating the company’s capacity to provide innovative, resilient, and sustainable engineering solutions. The company’s service offering now includes façade consulting, vertical transportation, wind engineering and vibration mitigation, seismic engineering, risk management, dispute resolution, and a variety of other services.
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Learn more at de-simone.commixed-use
Apr 09, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Construction Resumes On Fhl Tower In Suva, FijiConstruction of the FHL Tower in Suva is back underway after the required regulatory approvals and replacement materials were secured by  Fijian Holdings Limited (FHL). The project had been delayed due to a stop-work order related to compliance concerns. Work resumed once the site was verified to meet Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards and building regulations.
FHL confirmed it has adopted all recommended safety protocols to provide a secure worksite. Electrical clearance was also granted by Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), which verified that the development met interface and load distribution standards. Temporary power has been restored to support continuous construction.
The high-rise, located at the intersection of Gordon Street and Thurston Street, was initially set for completion in 2022, however, setbacks included a serious workplace accident in November 2024, which resulted in injuries to two workers—one of whom later died and the completion and opening, which had been planned for the end of 2024, was postponed. Although a revised completion date has not been announced, FHL stated that work is progressing in coordination with contractors and authorities, with a continued focus on meeting all safety and regulatory obligations.
Learn more at Mai TV Fijimixed-use
Apr 09, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Revised 60-Story Building Proposal Increases Housing And Updates Heritage ApproachA revised development application has been submitted for a 60-story, mixed-use building at 149 College Street in Toronto’s Kensington-Chinatown neighborhood. The project, led by Northwest Development Corporation and Alignvest Student Housing with design by Sweeny &Co Architects Inc., aims to deliver expanded student and residential accommodations while preserving the adjacent heritage-designated Stewart Building.
The updated plan maintains the original height of 205.3 meters but now integrates heritage oversight by ERA Architects, with the building repositioned farther south to increase its distance from the Stewart Building. Design changes also include a reconfigured western vestibule and a taller glazed reveal between Levels 4 and 11, enhancing visibility of the heritage structure's roofline. The Stewart Building will be retained on-site and incorporated into the podium, which has been pulled back to provide more space between the development and Orde Street Public School.
The new proposal increases the total unit count from 705 to 845, consisting of 620 private student residences—up from 480—and 225 market rental units. The updated layout introduces more studio and two-bedroom options while reducing the number of three-bedroom units. Six residential elevators and two institutional ones are planned, creating a ratio of one elevator per approximately 141 units, necessitating high-speed elevator systems.
Total gross floor area has been reduced to 45,374 square meters from 46,835 square meters, with residential space at 40,556 square meters and institutional use at 4,817 square meters. The revised Floor Space Index is 18.18 on the 2,496 square meter lot, down from 18.77.
Amenities include 1,359 square meters of indoor space for student residents, 423 square meters of indoor and 252 square meters of outdoor amenities for market and institutional users. Two underground parking levels will now accommodate 19 vehicles—9 for residents and 10 for visitors—down from 23. Bicycle parking has been significantly increased to 707 spaces, including 436 for student housing, 248 for institutional residence users, and 23 for other institutional use.
Learn more at Urban Torontomixed-use
Apr 08, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Landscaped Geometric Building To Be Built In Issy-Les-MoulineauxStudio Libeskind has revealed plans for Fan d'Issy, a striking new mixed-use building set to rise in Issy-les-Moulineaux, a suburb of Paris. Created in collaboration with developer La Compagnie de Phalsbourg, the angular, fan-shaped structure is designed to serve as a landmark for the ZAC LĂ©on Blum eco-district that is currently under development.
The geometric building will house offices, a hotel, retail, a sports hall, and residential units, with a third dedicated to social housing. Its sculptural design features green walls, balconies, and tree-topped roofs, bringing nature into the urban fabric while establishing a strong architectural identity.
Comprising two buildings connected by a bridge, Fan d'Issy will be clad in a reflective titanium-enriched ceramic coating, combining sustainability with visual impact. Construction is expected to start following the completion of the nearby Issy station on Line 15 of the Grand Paris Express.
Studio Libeskind describes the project as a “dynamic sculptural form” that will create a gateway to Issy-les-Moulineaux, revitalizing its surroundings and integrating seamlessly with the evolving urban landscape.
Learn more at Dezeen.mixed-use
Apr 04, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Vietnam'S One Million Housing Pledge Is Revived After Awarding Contract To BuilderThe Vietnamese government has selected Hanoi-based Vingroup to construct 500,000 affordable housing units, reviving its goal of delivering one million homes by 2030. This follows significant delays, as only 66,755 units, seven percent of the planned total, have been completed since 2021.
Originally, 428,000 units were expected to be finished by 2024, but progress has been hindered by lengthy tendering processes, administrative challenges, land acquisition issues, and delays in funding. The initiative aims to address rising housing costs and the shortage of affordable homes in urban areas, particularly for factory workers and low-income families.
The government also views this housing expansion as a strategy to counteract its declining working-age population, which has been shrinking annually since 2014. Officials argue that improving living conditions could encourage larger families, especially following the removal of the two-child policy.
Vietnam’s housing plan is seen as a crucial step toward managing the country’s demographic transition.
Learn more at Global Construction Reviewmixed-use
Apr 03, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Approval Gained For Central Park In New City Development In Western SydneyProgress in the Bradfield City Centre, one of Australia’s largest economic development projects, has advanced with the plans for Bradfield City Centre’s iconic Central Park now approved. The 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, is set to become a hub for innovation, education, and advanced industries at the core of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The Central Park design showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dharug people. A standout feature is the iconic Sky Ring, celebrating, protecting and focusing on the sky while providing shelter, directing rainwater, and supporting misting water technology systems. More than 550 mature trees and 70,000 species of native plants will create a green oasis with public art, active learning, and gathering spaces. The design also features a multi-generational interwoven play area and a Gathering Green for major community events. It will be supported by innovative technology to best care for the park and its users, adapting to a changing climate and a new, growing city. Â
With the design now approved, a construction partner will be appointed to deliver the park. This follows significant progress in Bradfield City Centre, with the approval of the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan in 2024 and the recent opening of the First Building, a low-carbon, timber manufacturing facility, and housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF). Â Â
The development is expected to generate 20,000 direct jobs and provide up to 10,000 new homes. The Master Plan outlines a vision for residential, commercial, and retail precincts, alongside infrastructure for streets, parks, and open spaces. Backed by more than AUD 1 billion in government funding, the project is projected to attract significant private investment. The plan details a staged rollout of over 2 million square meters (215 million square feet) of gross floor area near the upcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
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Learn more at NSW Governmentmixed-use
Apr 02, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Iconic Innovation Tower Is Moving Forward In Port San AntonioThe Port Authority in San Antonio has been moving forward in the proposed US$275 million Innovation Tower, which will transform the former Kelly Air Force Base. The 11-story building, designed by Pelli & Clark, will include office space and high-end amenities and stand as a landmark for the surrounding community, showcasing the area's role in advanced industries.Â
Spanning 1,900 acres (769 hectares), Port San Antonio’s Tech Port Campus just southwest of downtown San Antonio is home to leading global industries: aerospace, defense, global logistics, manufacturing, cybersecurity, education and much more. It was named the 2024 Outstanding Innovation District by the Association of University Research Parks and the site has generated over 9,000 jobs, with officials aiming to double that number.
Recent investments at Port San Antonio include the US$73 million USD Boeing Center at Tech Port, an esports arena and concert venue, and two cybersecurity office buildings. The site has maintained a 97 percent occupancy rate across its 10 million square feet (929,000 square meters) of space.
Port San Antonio leaders emphasize that the Innovation Tower is designed to attract aerospace and defense industries by offering modern, well-lit office spaces rather than outdated hangars and older buildings. Additionally, the tower is intended as a landmark for the surrounding community, showcasing the area’s role in advanced industries. The facility will also include a large childcare center, a fitness center, and a grocery store to serve the growing workforce.
Learn more at Texas Public Radiomixed-use
Mar 31, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Skytower At Pinnacle One Yonge May Get Taller With New Variance ApplicationToronto’s SkyTower at Pinnacle One Yonge, may climb even higher as Pinnacle International seeks approval to add another floor. Designed by Hariri Pontarini Architects, the supertall is already under construction and will be the first building in Canada to surpass 100 floors, and is currently approved at 105 floors at 345.5 meters
The newly submitted Minor Variance application proposes increasing floor heights between Levels 89 and 104 from 2.95 meters to 3.25 meters, allowing for 10-foot (3-meter) ceilings in the upper residential suites. Additionally, the lower level of the three-story mechanical penthouse would now house a 354 square meter residents' observation lounge, and two Level 105 penthouse suites would gain 160 square meters of pop-up second floors, reclassifying this previously programmed mechanical space as habitable space. This effectively would add a 106th floor, bringing the building’s total habitable height to 351.9 meters
The application also seeks approval for an emergency generator atop the mechanical penthouse. Staying within the existing 7.2 meter rooftop projection allowance, the generator would provide backup power for elevators and corridor lighting during outages.
Located at Yonge Street and Queens Quay East, construction of the supertall is well underway, with SkyTower rising beside The Prestige, and having completed the 65-floor first phase of the development. The building has had a history of height changes throughout the process with the high-rise initially approved at 95 floors, and later increased to 105 floors at 344.9 meters in 2023. It was further adjusted to 345.5 meters in 2024 after modifications to its mechanical penthouse.
Despite these changes, the building's overall design remains unchanged. The podium, setbacks, floor plate sizes, Gross Floor Area, unit count, and parking requirements will stay as previously approved, with the first 64 floors already formed. If the new variance application is approved, SkyTower will not only become Canada’s first 100+ story skyscraper but also reach new heights in residential luxury and functionality.
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Learn more at The Urban Developer.mixed-use
Mar 25, 2025
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
Public Review In Process For 483-Meter Building In New York CityThe proposed 1,586-foot (483-meter) office building at 350 Park Avenue in New York City has officially entered the public review process. The 62-story development, led by Vornado Realty Trust, Citadel, and Rudin Management, was certified by the Department of City Planning, initiating the seven-month uniform land use review procedure (ULURP). Designed by Foster + Partners, the project includes 1.8 million square feet (167,225 square meters) of office space and a 12,500-square-foot (1,161-square-meter) public concourse, with Citadel and Citadel Securities as anchor tenants.
The developers are requesting an increase in the floor area ratio (FAR) cap from 15 to 25. To facilitate this, they have purchased US$150 million in air rights from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Bartholomew’s Church and will contribute over US$35 million to the East Midtown Public Improvement Fund. The proposal includes transferring the zoning of 315,000 square feet (29,264 square meters) from St. Patrick’s and approximately the zoning of 170,000 square feet (15,794 square meters) from St. Bartholomew’s. Additionally, they are seeking a public concourse bonus of 3 FAR, equivalent to approximately 203,494 square feet (18,907 square meters) of zoning.
The supertall would replace three existing office buildings on the site: a 30-story, 23-story, and a five-story building. The project also features a public plaza designed by Field Operations, incorporating green space, seating, public art, and improved pedestrian access. Sidewalks on East 51st and 52nd Street would be widened by five feet (1.5 meters).
The building plans to accommodate up to 6,000 employees, with Citadel leasing at least 850,000 square feet (78,968 square meters). Plans also include 1.6 million square feet (148,645 square meters) of office, financial trading, and amenity space, as well as nearly 23,000 square feet (2,137 square meters) of retail space.
The project now enters a 60-day review by the Manhattan Community Board 5, followed by assessments from the borough president, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. If approved, construction is expected to start shortly after with completion by 2032. The plan follows the 2017 Midtown East rezoning, which allowed for higher-density office development in the area.
Learn more at 6sqftmixed-use
Mar 24, 2025