Institutional and Nonbuilding Gains Temper Declines in Commercial Starts

BOSTON, MA — October 21, 2026 — Total construction starts declined 1.5% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.33 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts fell 6.3% over the month, residential starts ticked down 0.3%, and nonbuilding improved by 5.5%. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 14.3% through September. Nonresidential starts were up 23.7%, nonbuilding starts improved by 18.4%, and residential starts were down 1.7% over the same period. For the 12 months ending September 2026, total construction starts were up 13.6% from the 12 months ending September 2025. Residential starts were down 2.9%, nonresidential starts were up 18.7% and nonbuilding starts were up 23.6%.  

“Construction starts edged lower in September, but gains in institutional and nonbuilding construction helped cushion the decline,” said Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at ����������վ. “These sectors provided a counterweight to weaker commercial and single-family starts.” 

Nonresidential 

Nonresidential building starts fell 6.3% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $583 billion. Commercial starts were down 18.4% over the month. After a very strong August, hotel activity settled back 46.3% in September, alongside a 21.4% decline in offices and data centers, as well as a 21.0% pull back in manufacturing starts. Meanwhile, parking garages (+33.9% m/m) and commercial warehouses (+0.8%) improved over the month. Institutional starts had a more positive month, improving 16.3% in September, driven by stronger education starts (38.4% m/m) and miscellaneous institutional starts (6.5% m/m). Healthcare starts declined 3.0% over the month. On a year-to-date basis through September, nonresidential starts are up 23.7%. Commercial and industrial construction have gained 46.3%, while institutional starts are down 1.8% over the same period.  

For the 12 months ending September 2026, total nonresidential starts were up 18.7% compared to the 12 months ending September 2025. Commercial starts were up 47.7%, institutional starts decreased 2.8%, and manufacturing starts were up 3.4% over the same period.  

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in September were $4.6 billion South Valley Data Center in Silver Springs, Nevada, the $4.3 billion Beacon Point Data Center in Robstown, Texas, and the $2.0 billion Vantage V41 Data Center Campus in Fredericksburg, Virginia.   

Nonbuilding

Nonbuilding construction starts expanded 5.5% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $377 billion. Supporting this rise, highway and bridge starts grew 20.8% throughout September, alongside miscellaneous nonbuilding starts (+13.7% m/m) and environmental public works (+0.8% m/m). Utility starts, meanwhile, pulled back 4.1% over the month. On a year-to-date basis through September, nonbuilding construction was up 18.4% alongside the 70.1% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities, 3.8% in miscellaneous nonbuilding, and 0.9% growth in highways and bridges. Environmental public works are down 4.1% year-to-date.����

For the 12 months ending September 2026, total nonbuilding starts were up 23.6%. Environmental public works fell by 4.9% compared to the 12 months ending September 2025. Highway and bridge starts were up 1.3%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 11.3% and utility/gas starts increased 90.8% over the same period.  

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in September included the $1.7 billion Big Rooter Power Solar project in Bremond, Texas, the $1.6 billion Entergy Cypress Solar project in Redfield, Arkansas, and the $1.2 million Southwest Inertie North power lines project in Jerome, Nevada.  

Residential 

Residential building starts ticked down 0.3% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $366 billion. Single family starts declined 7.4% m/m, while multifamily starts improved 11.3% m/m. On a year-to-date basis, residential starts are down 1.7%, with single family starts down 4.5% and multifamily starts up 3.0%.  

For the 12 months ending September 2026, total residential starts fell 2.9%. Single family starts fell 7.6% compared to the 12 months ending September 2025, and multifamily starts increased 5.3% over the same period. 

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in September included the $820 million Four Seasons condominium tower in Austin, Texas, the $544 million One Montague Place Mixed Residential & Commercial Tower in Brooklyn Heights, New York, and the $329 million Ombelle Mixed Use Residential Tower in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  

Regionally, total construction starts in September receded in the South Central (-20% m/m), Midwest (-13% m/m), and Northeast (-1% m/m). Conversely, the West (+33% m/m) and the South Atlantic (+7% m/m) improved over the month.����

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Starts Normalize Following July’s Megaproject Surge

BOSTON, MA — September 21, 2026 — Total construction starts declined 24.8% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.34 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts fell 32.0% over the month, residential starts decreased 5.2%, and nonbuilding declined by 26.7%. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 15.2% through August. Nonresidential starts were up 23.4%, nonbuilding starts improved by 22.2%, and residential starts were down 1.8% over the same period. For the 12 months ending August 2026, total construction starts were up 14.5% from the 12 months ending August 2025. Residential starts were down 2.4%, nonresidential starts were up 17.9% and nonbuilding starts were up 27.6%.

“After a pop in activity last month, construction starts largely normalized throughout August,” stated Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at ����������վ. “Abstracting from the month-to-month volatility, the story remains consistent. Data center, semiconductor and energy construction are driving growth, while several other sectors are facing subdued activity alongside deeper labor shortages, and accelerating material prices.”

Nonresidential

Nonresidential building starts fell 32.0% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $624 billion. Commercial starts were down 37.6% over the month. Hotel construction more than tripled (+302.2% m/m) after a weak July, and retail stores improved by 26.9%. Meanwhile, all other commercial sectors faced declines, including offices and data centers (-31.3% m/m), parking garages (-24.9% m/m), and warehouses (-13.4% m/m). Institutional starts also slowed, pulling back 18.1% in August, driven by weaker education starts (-14.3% m/m) and miscellaneous institutional starts (-39.1% m/m). Following a weak July, healthcare starts normalized in August, rising 96.1% over the month. Manufacturing construction declined 80.8% m/m, after substantial megaproject starts last month. On a year-to-date basis through August, nonresidential starts are up 23.4%. Commercial and industrial construction have gained 47.7%, while institutional starts are down 3.9% over the same period.

For the 12 months ending August 2026, total nonresidential starts were up 17.9% compared to the 12 months ending August 2025. Commercial starts were up 48.6%, institutional starts decreased 4.3%, and manufacturing starts were up 2.8% over the same period.

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in August were $3.5 billion Amazon STACK Blanchard State Line Data Center (780 MW) in Mooringsport, Louisiana, the $3.2 billion Clarksville Hyperscale Data Center in Clarksville, Arkansas, and the $2.9 billion Bronx Detention Facility in Mott Haven, New York.  

Nonbuilding

Nonbuilding construction starts decreased 26.7% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $355 billion. Continuing their slide, highway and bridge starts fell back 20.8% in August while environmental public works ticked up 0.4%, miscellaneous nonbuilding dropped 70.5%, and utilities declined by 11.4% over the same period. On a year-to-date basis through August, nonbuilding construction was up 22.2% alongside the 69.9% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities, 23.0% in miscellaneous nonbuilding, and 2.3% growth in highways and bridges. Environmental public works are down 4.2% year-to-date.

For the 12 months ending August 2026, total nonbuilding starts were up 27.6%. Environmental public works fell by 3.7% compared to the 12 months ending August 2025. Highway and bridge starts were up 2.7%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 37.6% and utility/gas starts increased 87.8% over the same period.

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in August included the $3.5 billion Steel River Energy Center (Phases 1 & 2) in Wilson, Arkansas, the $1.4 billion Bluegrass Power Generation (Phase 1) project in Jeffersonville, Ohio, and the $772 million Heritage Prairie Renewable Wind Farm (600 MW) in Dwight, Illinois.

Residential

Residential building starts declined by 5.2% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $364 billion. Single family starts remained flat, growing 0.4% m/m, and multifamily starts dropped -13.5% m/m. On a year-to-date basis, residential starts are down 1.8%, with single family starts down -4.6% and multifamily starts up 3.0%.

For the 12 months ending August 2026, total residential starts fell 2.4%. Single family starts fell 8.6% compared to the 12 months ending August 2025, and multifamily starts increased 8.7% over the same period.

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in August were the $1.1 billion 655 Madison Ave mixed use tower in New York, New York, the $244 million The Residences at The Nashville Edition (hotel/condominiums) in Nashville, Tennessee, and the $227 million 350 S. Fifth Avenue mixed use and affordable housing development in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Regionally, total construction starts in August fell in every region except the South Central; the Northeast (-52.6% m/m), the Midwest (-1.1% m/m), the South Atlantic (-24.2% m/m), and the West (-51.4% m/m) all saw declines. The South Central improved by 28.8% between July and August.

AUGUST 2026 CONSTRUCTION STARTS

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Twenty-Five $1 Billion-Plus Projects Lift Activity

BOSTON, MA — July 21, 2026 — Total construction starts popped 25.6% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.79 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts jumped 57.7%, residential starts increased 4.9% over the month, and nonbuilding climbed 2.2%. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 16.9% through July. Nonresidential starts were up 21.9%, nonbuilding starts improved by 29.8%, and residential starts were down 1.7% over the same period. For the 12 months ending July 2026, total construction starts were up 14.4% from the 12 months ending July 2025. Residential starts were down 2.7%, nonresidential starts were up 14.8% and nonbuilding starts were up 32.1%.  

“Megaproject driven volatility headlines a disjointed construction market,” stated Eric Gaus, Chief Economist at ����������վ. “There is strength in pockets, multifamily within residential, data centers within commercial, energy within non-building, but also verticals struggling to stabilize.”  

Nonresidential 

Nonresidential building starts jumped 57.7% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $917 billion. Commercial starts were up 70.0% over the month. Offices and data centers, more than doubled (+107.9% m/m), offsetting weaker warehouse growth (+1.0% m/m) and declining hotels (-51.5% m/m),  parking garages (-19.4% m/m), and retail stores (-9.5% m/m). Institutional starts improved 6.2% over the month, supported by a 4.5% m/m uptick in education and dormitory starts, as well as a 45.7% m/m gain in other institutional starts. Healthcare facilities doubled down on their losses, falling another 59.7% in July. Manufacturing construction starts bounced back with 277.8% m/m, continuing a volatile streak. On a year-to-date basis through July, nonresidential starts are up 21.9%. Commercial and industrial construction gained 44.2%, while institutional starts are down 3.5% over the same period.  

For the 12 months ending July 2026, total nonresidential starts were up 14.8% compared to the 12 months ending July 2025. Commercial starts were up 45.2%, institutional starts decreased 5.6%, and manufacturing starts were down 1.5% over the same period.  

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in July were the $12.8 billion data center portion of the Project Jupiter Data Center and Microgrid Phase 1 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, the $12.0 billion Micron Semiconductor Mega-Factory Fab 1 – Phase 1 in Clay, New York, and the $4.0 billion Amazon STACK Highway 3 Data Center in Benton, Louisiana.   

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Nonbuilding construction��starts��increased 2.2% in��July��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$485��billion.��Continuing their slide,��highway and bridge starts fell back��16.9% in��July��while��environmental public works fell 7.8%��and miscellaneous nonbuilding��dropped 5.3% over the same period. Meanwhile,��utilities improved��44.7% m/m. On a year-to-date basis through��July, nonbuilding construction was up��29.8% alongside the��94.1% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities,��31.8% in miscellaneous nonbuilding, and��6.8% growth in highways and bridges. Environmental public works are down��4.8% year-to-date.����

For the 12 months ending July 2026, total nonbuilding starts were up 32.1%. Environmental public works fell by 5.1% compared to the 12 months ending July 2025. Highway and bridge starts were up 5.6%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 43.1% and utility/gas starts increased 105.6% over the same period.  

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in July included the $2.4 billion CHSRA New Track & Systems (Two Sections) in Bakersfield, California, the $2.3 billion microgrid portion of the Project Jupiter Data Center and Microgrid Phase 1 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and the $1.5 billion Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Pipeline Expansion-SSE in Chatham, Georgia.  

Residential 

Residential building starts rose by 4.9% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $386 billion. Single family starts increased 4.3% m/m, and multifamily starts rose 5.7% m/m. On a year-to-date basis, residential starts are down 1.7%, with single family starts down 6.1% and multifamily starts up 6.4%. 

For the 12 months ending July 2026, total residential starts fell 2.7%. Single family starts fell 11.1% compared to the 12 months ending July 2025, and multifamily starts increased 13.0% over the same period. 

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in July were the $535 million NY Vue-Harbor Station South Residential Tower/Retail in Bayonne, New Jersey, the $343 million ICON Beach Waterfront Condominiums in Hollywood, Florida, and the $320 million 65 Franklin Mixed Residential & Commercial Building in New York, New York.  

Regionally, total construction starts in July rose in every region except the Midwest and South Central; the Northeast (117.7% m/m), the South Atlantic (28.7% m/m), and the West (61.4% m/m). The Midwest declined by 24.6% and South Central fell 9.3% between May and July.  ��

JULY 2026 CONSTRUCTION STARTS

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����������վ leverages an unmatched offering of data, analytics, and industry-spanning relationships to generate the most powerful source of information, knowledge, insights, and connections in the commercial construction industry. The company powers five longstanding and trusted industry solutions—Dodge Construction Central, Principia Consulting, Blue Book Construction Network, Sweets, and IMS—to connect the dots across the entire commercial construction ecosystem. Together, these solutions provide clear and actionable opportunities for both small teams and enterprise firms. Purpose-built to streamline the complicated, ����������վ ensures that construction professionals have the information they need to build successful businesses and thriving communities.

With over a century of industry experience, ����������վ is the catalyst for modern commercial construction. To learn more, visit

Media Contact: Alyssa Orender | ����������վ | pr@construction.com

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Starts Calibrate After Strong Growth in May  

BOSTON, MA — July 21, 2026 — Total construction starts declined 19.9% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.42 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts fell back 9.1%, nonbuilding starts decreased 37.7%, and residential starts decreased 2.2% over the month. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 11.1% through June. Nonresidential starts were up 6.2%, nonbuilding starts improved by 33.8%, and residential starts were down 3.5% over the same period. For the 12 months ending June 2026, total construction starts were up 10.6% from the 12 months ending June 2025. Residential starts were down 3.6%, nonresidential starts were up 4.9% and nonbuilding starts were up 34.3%.  

“After strong megaproject activity in May, construction starts came back down to earth throughout the month of June,” stated Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at ����������վ. “Residential and institutional construction remain weak, while commercial, industrial and nonbuilding construction continue to show strong year-to-date growth.”  

Nonresidential 

Nonresidential building starts receded 9.1% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $584 billion. Commercial starts were up 1.2% over the month, driven by a 29.5% m/m increase in parking garages, alongside growth in warehouses (+15.0% m/m), hotels (+8.1% m/m) and retail stores (+3.2% m/m). Offices and data centers, meanwhile, pulled back 3.7% m/m. Institutional starts improved 2.5% over the month, supported by an 8.0% m/m uptick in education and dormitory starts, as well as a 32.9% m/m gain in other institutional starts. Healthcare facilities fell back 29.9% in June. Manufacturing construction starts declined 62.9% m/m, normalizing after a surge in activity in May. On a year-to-date basis through June, nonresidential starts are up 6.2%. Commercial and industrial construction gained 17.9%, while institutional starts are down 7.3% over the same period.  

For the 12 months ending June 2026, total nonresidential starts were up 4.9% compared to the 12 months ending June 2025. Commercial starts were up 28.0%, institutional starts decreased 6.8%, and manufacturing starts were down 22.6% over the same period.  

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in June were the $3.6 billion Delta Forge 1 Hyperscale Data Center Campus in Boyce, Louisiana, the $2.1 billion Sentinel Midstream Deepwater Port in Freeport, Texas, and the $2.0 billion AWS Data Center (Phase 2) in Canton, Mississippi.   

Nonbuilding 

 
Nonbuilding construction starts fell back 37.7% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $473 billion. After triple digit gains last month, highway and bridge starts fell back 46.6% in June and utilities declined 70.3%. Meanwhile, environmental public works improved 26.3% m/m and miscellaneous nonbuilding surged 168.3% over the same period. On a year-to-date basis through June, nonbuilding construction was up 33.8% alongside the 119.6% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities, 17.0% in miscellaneous nonbuilding, and 10.8% growth in highways and bridges. Environmental public works are down 5.5% year-to-date.  

For the 12 months ending June 2026, total nonbuilding starts were up 34.3%. Environmental public works fell by 4.8% compared to the 12 months ending June 2025. Highway and bridge starts were up 7.8%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 36.2% and utility/gas starts increased 122.2% over the same period.  

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in June included the $3.6 billion CTA Red Line Extension Project in Chicago, Illinois, the $2.4 billion Cleveland Browns Huntington Bank Field Stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, and the $2.1 billion Amtrak Sawtooth Bridge Replacement in Kearny, New Jersey.  

Residential 

Residential building starts fell by 2.2% in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $363 billion. Single family starts fell 3.4% m/m, and multifamily starts fell 0.4% m/m. On a year-to-date basis, residential starts are down 3.5%, with single family starts down 7.5% and multifamily starts up 3.7%. 

For the 12 months ending June 2026, total residential starts fell 3.6%. Single family starts fell 11.8% compared to the 12 months ending June 2025, and multifamily starts increased 11.8% over the same period. 

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in June were the $480 million 1740 Broadway residential conversion in New York, New York, the $251 million River Commons Residential and Community Facility in Concourse, New York, and the $191 million 40 Exchange Place residential conversion in New York, New York.  

Regionally, total construction starts in June fell in every region except the Midwest; the Northeast (-13.9% m/m), the South Atlantic (-32.7% m/m), the South Central (-33.5% m/m), and the West (-4.7% m/m). The Midwest improved by 3.0% between May and June.  

JUNE 2026 CONSTRUCTION STARTS

����������վ ����������վ

����������վ leverages an unmatched offering of data, analytics, and industry-spanning relationships to generate the most powerful source of information, knowledge, insights, and connections in the commercial construction industry. The company powers five longstanding and trusted industry solutions—Dodge Construction Central, Principia Consulting, Blue Book Construction Network, Sweets, and IMS—to connect the dots across the entire commercial construction ecosystem. Together, these solutions provide clear and actionable opportunities for both small teams and enterprise firms. Purpose-built to streamline the complicated, ����������վ ensures that construction professionals have the information they need to build successful businesses and thriving communities.

With over a century of industry experience, ����������վ is the catalyst for modern commercial construction. To learn more, visit

Media Contact: Alyssa Orender | ����������վ | pr@construction.com

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Megaprojects Support Growth

BOSTON, MA — June 18, 2026 — Total construction starts improved 34.1% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.78 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts grew by 17.8%, nonbuilding starts increased 91.9%, and residential starts fell 2.1% over the month. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 12.7% through May. Nonresidential starts were up 12.3%,  nonbuilding starts improved by 32.9%, and residential starts were down 4.9% over the same period. For the 12 months ending May 2026, total construction starts were up 12.5% from the 12 months ending May 2025. Residential starts were down 4.6%, nonresidential starts were up 11.7% and nonbuilding was up 33.2%.

“Megaproject starts within healthcare, manufacturing, utilities and data centers drove sizeable gains across the month,” stated Sarah Martin, Director of Economic Research at ����������վ. “Outside of this activity, however, pockets of weakness across institutional construction, warehouses and residential construction remain.”

Nonresidential

Nonresidential building starts improved 17.8% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $647 billion. Commercial starts were up 0.8% over the month, driven by the 20.2% m/m increase in offices and data centers, while all sectors experienced declines; parking garages (-53.6% m/m), hotels (-36.8% m/m), warehouses (-17.0% m/m), and stores (-6.2% m/m). Institutional starts gained 17.4% over the month, supported by the 138.8% m/m surge in healthcare construction and offset by the -15.1% m/m decline in education starts. Manufacturing construction rebounded 116.1% m/m in May, alongside the start of the $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle Plant. On a year-to-date basis through May, nonresidential starts are up 12.3%. Commercial and industrial construction gained 32.9%, while institutional starts are down 8.8% over the same period.

For the 12 months ending May 2026, total nonresidential starts were up 11.7% compared to the 12 months ending May 2025. Commercial starts were up 26.6%, institutional starts decreased 4.1%, and manufacturing starts were up 32.4% over the same period.

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in May were the $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle Plant in Social Circle, Georgia, the $3.0 billion Nebius Data Center (Buildings 1 & 2) in Birmingham, Alabama and the $2.8 billion World Trade Center Commercial Tower in New York, New York.

Nonbuilding
Nonbuilding construction starts surged 91.9% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $758 billion. Triple digit gains in highways and bridge starts (+111.3% m/m) and utilities construction (+195.6% m/m) drove gains, while environmental public works (-18.3% m/m) and miscellaneous nonbuilding (-13.1% m/m) slowed down. On a year-to-date basis through May, nonbuilding construction was up 32.9% alongside the 125.9% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities and 12.1% growth in highways and bridges. The remaining sectors, however, are seeing declines. Environmental public works are down 5.5% year-to-date, and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts are down 12.1% over the same period.

For the 12 months ending May 2026, total nonbuilding starts were up 33.2%. Environmental public works fell by 2.5% compared to the 12 months ending May 2025. Highway and bridge starts were up 9.5%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 23.8% and utility/gas starts increased 121.6% over the same period.

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in May included the $13.5 billion LNG Export Facility in Hackberry, Louisiana, the $4.2 billion SR 400 Express Toll Lanes (Phase 3) project in Sandy Springs, Georgia and the $4.1 billion Brent Spence Bridge (Corridor #116649) project in Convington, Ohio.

Residential

Residential building starts fell by 2.1% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $373 billion. Single family starts fell 1.0% m/m, and multifamily starts fell 3.7% m/m. On a year-to-date basis, residential starts are down 4.9%, with single family starts down 9.4% and multifamily starts up 3.6%.

For the 12 months ending May 2026, total residential starts fell 4.6%. Single family starts fell 13.5% compared to the 12 months ending May 2025, and multifamily starts increased 12.7% over the same period.

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in May were the $867 million 111 Wall Street Residential Conversion in New York, New York, the $633 million River’s Edge Continuing Care Retirement Community (Phase 1) in Bronx, New York and the $271 million Cherry Lane Residential Tower (Phase 1) in Denver, Colorado.

Regionally, total construction starts in May rose in every region except the Midwest; the Northeast (+33.5% m/m), the South Atlantic (+36.5% m/m), the South Central (+87.6% m/m), and the West (+24.4% m/m). The Midwest declined by 8.4% between April and May.

MAY 2026 CONSTRUCTION STARTS

����������վ ����������վ

����������վ leverages an unmatched offering of data, analytics, and industry-spanning relationships to generate the most powerful source of information, knowledge, insights, and connections in the commercial construction industry. The company powers five longstanding and trusted industry solutions—Dodge Construction Central, Principia Consulting, Blue Book Construction Network, Sweets, and IMS—to connect the dots across the entire commercial construction ecosystem. Together, these solutions provide clear and actionable opportunities for both small teams and enterprise firms. Purpose-built to streamline the complicated, ����������վ ensures that construction professionals have the information they need to build successful businesses and thriving communities.

With over a century of industry experience, ����������վ is the catalyst for modern commercial construction. To learn more, visit

Media Contact: Alyssa Orender | ����������վ | alyssa.orender@construction.com

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Broad-based Gains Signal Unexpected Strength

BOSTON, MA — May 20, 2026 —��Total construction starts��rose��9.0% in��April��to a seasonally adjusted��annual rate of��$1.33��trillion,��according to��. Nonresidential building starts grew by 18.6%, nonbuilding starts increased 7.0%, and residential starts fell 0.7% over the month. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 5.4% through April. Nonresidential starts were up 9.1%, nonbuilding starts improved by 12.3%, and residential starts were down 4.5% over the same period. For the 12 months ending April 2026, total construction starts were up 8.1% from the 12 months ending April 2025. Residential starts were down 4.4%, nonresidential starts were up 10.0% and nonbuilding was up 19.5%.����

“April’s construction starts were robust with only three categories posting month over month losses,”��stated��Eric Gaus, Chief Economist of ����������վ.��“Large��data centers and energy generation supported the growth, but 9 of the 15 categories saw��double��or triple��digit��growth.”��

Nonresidential��

Nonresidential building starts��improved 18.6% in��April��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$550��billion. Commercial starts were��up��41.4%, mostly driven by the��46.1% m/m��increase in��offices and data centers,��however all sectors experienced growth; parking garages (120.4% m/m), warehouses (+25.0% m/m),��hotels (+12.8% m/m),��and��stores (+5.0% m/m). Institutional starts��gained��12.3% over the month,��with all sub-categories��experiencing growth; other institutional categories (+15.1% m/m),��education (+13.2% m/m),��and healthcare (+4.6%).��Manufacturing construction��gave up��29.3% m/m��after an astounding 251.4% growth in March. On a year-to-date basis through April, nonresidential starts are��up 9.1%. Commercial and industrial construction gained��30.4%, while institutional starts are down 12.1% over the same period.����

For the 12 months ending��April��2026, total nonresidential starts were up��10.0% compared to the 12 months ending��April��2025. Commercial starts were up��25.1%, institutional starts decreased��3.8%, and manufacturing starts were up��20.9% over the same period.����

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in April were the $5.0 billion Provident/PowerHouse Prairie Ridge Data Center Phase 1 in Midlothian, TX, the $1.9 billion SK Hynix HBM Advanced Packaging & R&D Hub project in West Lafayette, IN, and the $1.3 million Stargate Data Center Campus project in Saline Township, MI.��

Nonbuilding

���DzԲ��ܾ����徱�Բ���construction��starts��increased��7.0% in��April��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$394��billion.��Strong��double digit��gains in miscellaneous nonbuilding��(+18.1%��m/m),��highways and bridges (+17.0% m/m) and environmental public works (+16.3% m/m) reversed��losses��from the previous month.��Electric power/utilities segment fell 9.7%��but��levels��remain��bolstered by large natural gas facilities and large renewable projects.��On a year-to-date basis through��April, nonbuilding construction was up��12.3% alongside the��79.3% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities. The remaining public works sectors, however, are seeing deeper year-to-date declines.����

For the 12 months ending��April��2026, total nonbuilding starts were up��19.5%.��Environmental public works��fell��by��2.2% compared to the 12 months ending��April��2025.��Highway and bridge��starts��were��down��0.9%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up��35.6%��and��utility/gas starts increased��62.0% over the same period.����

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in��April��included��the��$3.8��billion��Bison Generation Station Natural Gas Power��Plant����in��ND,��the��$3.3��billion��Cayuga Station Natural Gas Energy Replacement��in��Cayuga,��IN, and the��$1.0 billion��Tradepoint Atlantic Container Terminal��in��Edgemere,��MD.

Residential��

Residential building starts��fell��by��0.7% in��April��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$383��billion. Single family starts��increased��4.2%��m/m,��and��multifamily starts��fell��7.2%��m/m.��On a year-to-date��basis, residential starts are down��4.5%,��with single family starts��down��10.9% and multifamily starts��up��7.9%.��

For the 12 months ending��April��2026, total residential starts fell��4.4%. Single family starts fell��15.0% compared to the 12 months ending��April��2025, and multifamily starts increased��17.4% over the same period.����

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in��April��were the $850��million��Gowanus Wharf 175 3rd Street Mixed Use Development��in��Gowanus,��NY, the $354��million��Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Community III (Expansion)��project��Asheville,��NC��and $303��million��Archer Towers Mixed Use Development-Garage (Phase 2)��project in��Jamaica, NY.����

Regionally, total construction starts in��April��rose��in��the��Midwest (+66.9% m/m),��the Northeast (+19.9% m/m),��and��the��South Atlantic (+9.3% m/m).��Meanwhile,��the South Central (-14.5% m/m), and the West (-8.6% m/m) saw declines.

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Manufacturing, Utilities, and Multifamily Lead the Way

BOSTON, MA — April 17, 2026 —��Total construction starts��rose 12.8% in��March��to a seasonally adjusted��annual rate of��$1.22��trillion,��according to��Dodge Construction��Network. Nonresidential building starts grew by 6.3%, residential starts improved 2.6%, and nonbuilding starts rebounded 37.9% over the month. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were down 0.5% through March. Nonresidential starts were down 0.2%, residential starts were down 7.2% and nonbuilding starts improved by 6.4% over the same period. For the 12 months ending March 2026, total construction starts were up 5.4% from the 12 months ending March 2025. Residential starts were down 5.3%, nonresidential starts were up 6.5% and nonbuilding was up 15.8%. ��

“A��few strong categories overcame��slight��weakness in all the others in March,”��stated��Eric Gaus, Chief Economist of ����������վ. “The commercial segment��shows the most strength with��12 month��growth for all sub-categories except warehousing.”��

Nonbuilding

���DzԲ��ܾ����徱�Բ���construction��starts��jumped��37.9% in��March��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$369 billion. Three mega-projects continued the flip-flopping streak in the electric power/utilities segment, which popped up 353.6% m/m in March. Miscellaneous nonbuilding increased as well, rising 44.0% over the month. Conversely, highways and bridges (-13.6% m/m) and environmental public works (-4.1% m/m) reversed gains from the previous month. On a year-to-date basis through March, nonbuilding construction was up��6.4% alongside the��68.6% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities. The remaining public works sectors, however, are seeing deeper year-to-date declines.����

For the 12 months ending��March��2026, total nonbuilding starts were up��15.8%.��Environmental public works��fell��by��6.4% compared to the 12 months ending��March��2025.��Highway and bridge��starts��were��down��1.0%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up��34.9%��and��utility/gas starts increased��52.3% over the same period.����

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in��March��included��the��$2.5 billion��Darden Clean Energy Project��in Cantua��Creak, CA,��the $2.0 billion��Phase 1��Natural Gas Plant/Site Infrastructure��in Panhandle, TX, and the��$2.0 billion��CPV Basin Ranch Energy Center��in Barstow, TX.����

Nonresidential��

Nonresidential building starts improved 6.3% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $466 billion. Commercial starts were down 9.2%, mostly driven by the 16.0% m/m pull back in offices and data centers. Warehouses (-6.6% m/m) also lost ground in March, while, hotels (+19.3% m/m), stores (+5.6% m/m), and parking garages (0.8% m/m) made gains. Institutional starts contracted 1.5% over the month, despite growth in education (+3.4% m/m) and healthcare (+9.7%). Other institutional categories more than offset that growth, dropping 11.8% m/m. After a lackluster February, manufacturing construction also bounced back, increasing by 251.9% m/m. On a year-to-date basis through March, nonresidential starts are down 0.2%. Commercial and industrial construction gained 18.0%, while institutional starts are down -17.8% over the same period. ��

For the 12 months ending��March��2026, total��nonresidential��starts were up��6.5% compared to the 12 months ending��March��2025. Commercial starts were up��19.2%, institutional starts��decreased��5.7%, and manufacturing starts were��up��20.2% over the same period.����

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in��March��were��the��$3.4 billion��Shintech��Ethylene PEP-2 & Vinyl Chloride Monomer (SPP-4)��in��Plaquemine, LA,��the��$2.4 billion��Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility��project in Aiken, SC, and��the $953��million��Port Terminal 1 Replacement��project in��Anchorage,��AK.��

Residential��

Residential building starts grew by 2.6% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $385 billion. Single family starts decreased 5.3% m/m, and multifamily starts expanded by 15.3% m/m. On a year-to-date basis, residential starts are down 7.2%, with single family starts down 14.1% and multifamily starts up 6.1%.��

For the 12 months ending��March��2026, total residential starts fell��5.3%. Single family��starts��fell��15.7% compared to the 12 months ending��March��2025, and multifamily starts increased��16.3% over the same period.����

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in��March��were the $727 million��Discovery Park (PA 31) Apartments��in Irvine,��CA, the $577 million��Harborside 4 Residential Tower��project Jersey City, NJ and $420 million��61 Broadway Residential Conversion��project in New York, NY.����

Regionally,��total construction starts in��March��rose��in��and��the South Central (+41.7% m/m),��the West (+22.1% m/m)��,��the South Atlantic (+7.5% m/m) and the Northeast��(+3.1% m/m).��Meanwhile,��the��Midwest (-15.1% m/m) was the only region to see a decline.����

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Cooling��nonbuilding��activity��leads��to a��broader��slowdown

BOSTON,��MA��—��March��20, 2026��—��Total construction starts��declined��13.2% in��February��to a seasonally adjusted��annual rate of��$1.08��trillion,��according to��.��Nonresidential building��starts��rebounded��by��17.8%,��residential starts��improved��8.3%,��and��nonbuilding starts��declined��49.4%��over the month.��On a year-to-date��basis, total construction starts were��down��1.9%��through February. Nonresidential starts were down��2.0%, residential starts were down��12.4%��and��nonbuilding starts��improved��by��9.9% over the same period.��For the 12 months ending��February��2026, total construction starts were up��5.2% from the 12 months ending��February��2025. Residential starts were down 6.3%, nonresidential starts were up��6.1%��and��nonbuilding was up��17.0%.������

“After a weak start to the year, nonresidential and residential��building starts steadily rebounded��throughout February,”��stated��Sarah Martin, Associate Director of Forecast at ����������վ. “Conversely, nonbuilding activity slowed down last month – normalizing from elevated levels��in January.”��

Residential��

Residential building starts��grew��by��8.3% in��February��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$374��billion. Single family starts��increased��4.0%��m/m,��and��multifamily starts��expanded��by��15.9%��m/m.��On a year-to-date��basis, residential starts are down��12.4%,��with single family starts��down��17.5% and multifamily starts down��2.8%.��

For the 12 months ending��February��2026, total residential starts fell 6.3%. Single family starts fell��16.2% compared to the 12 months ending��February��2025, and multifamily starts increased��14.9% over the same period.����

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in��February��were the $757 million Bay View Houses Renovation project in Canarsie, New York, the $311 million Universal Building��North��and $265 million Universal Building South within the Geneva Residential Conversion project in Washington, D.C.����

Nonresidential��

Nonresidential building��starts��improved��17.8%��in��February��to��a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$442��billion. Commercial starts were��up 48.5%, solely driven by the 159.6% m/m growth in offices and data centers. Meanwhile, stores (-4.7% m/m), parking garages (-23.1% m/m), hotels (-7.9% m/m) and warehouses (-12.1% m/m) all lost pace throughout February. Institutional starts also expanded 8.7% over the month,��alongside steady growth in education (+19.6% m/m) and the remaining institutional categories (+56.4%). Healthcare construction continued to pullback, dropping 46.6% m/m. After a strong January, manufacturing construction also slowed down, pulling back 54.1% m/m. On a year-to-date basis through February, nonresidential starts are down 2.0%. Commercial and industrial construction is up 22.9%, while institutional starts are down 22.7% over the same period.����

For the 12 months ending��February��2026, total nonresidential starts were up��6.1% compared to the 12 months ending��February��2025. Commercial starts were up��20.2%, institutional starts��decreased��5.6%, and manufacturing starts were��up��12.9% over the same period.����

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in��February��were��the $3 billion Google Data Center Campus (Project Meitner) in Miami,��Texas, the��$3 billion��Polaris Forge 2 AI Data Center in Harwood, North Dakota, and the��$1.53 billion��Tampa International Airport Airside D project in Tampa, Florida.����

Nonbuilding

���DzԲ��ܾ����徱�Բ���construction��starts��decelerated��49.4% in��February��to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of��$265��billion.��After��nearly 200%��growth in January, electric power/utilities construction normalized in February and dropped 90.1% m/m.��Miscellaneous nonbuilding declined as well, falling back 12.3% over the month. Conversely, highways and bridges (+18.8% m/m)��and��environmental public works (+4.8% m/m)��saw improvements.��On a year-to-date basis through February, nonbuilding construction was up 9.9% alongside the 133.8% year-to-date growth in electric power/utilities. The remaining public works sectors, however, are seeing deeper year-to-date declines.����

For the 12 months ending��February��2026, total nonbuilding starts were up��17.0%.��Environmental public works��fell��by��6.4% compared to the 12 months ending��February��2025.��Highway and bridge starts were��down��0.2%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up��32.9%��and��utility/gas starts increased��59.3% over the same period.����

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in��February��included the��$564 million��SR 400 (I-4) highway development in Celebration, Florida, the $389 million 1-94 reconstruction project in Romulus, Michigan and the $386 million Allegheny County Wet Weather Pump Station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.����

Regionally,��total construction starts in��February��rose��in��the��Midwest��(+41.0%��m/m)��and the West (+4.2% m/m). Meanwhile, starts receded in the Northeast (-38.1% m/m), the South Atlantic (-4.9% m/m) and��the South Central (-37.7% m/m).����

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Growth in select sectors offers a counterpoint to April’s slowdown.��

BOSTON, MA — May 21, 2025 — Total construction starts were down 9% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.03 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts declined 3%, residential starts fell 4%, while nonbuilding starts decreased 22%. On a year-to-date basis through April, total construction starts were down 3% from last year. Nonresidential starts were down 10%, residential starts were down 5%, and nonbuilding starts were up by 8% over the same period.��

For the 12 months ending April 2025, total construction starts were up 2% from the 12 months ending April 2024. Residential starts were flat, nonresidential starts were up 1%, and nonbuilding starts rose 5% over the same period.����

“Broad-based monthly declines in construction starts represent a troubling signal for the sector,” stated Eric Gaus, chief economist at ����������վ. “While not definitive, the slowdown in April aligns with delays in the planning pipeline and other economic data that capture the volatility and uncertainty of all the April tariff announcements. Uncertainty around trade policy and the economy’s direction will continue to weigh on construction activity in the coming months.”��

Nonbuilding

Nonbuilding construction starts fell 22% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $279 billion. Highway and bridge starts decreased 8%, environmental public works fell back 2%, and utility starts were down 70% last month. Meanwhile, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up a strong 57% in April. On a year-to-date basis through April, nonbuilding starts were up 8%, with utility/gas starts up 37%, miscellaneous nonbuilding up 5%, highway and bridge starts up 7%, and environmental public work starts down 7% over the same period. ��

For the 12 months ending April 2025, total nonbuilding starts were up 5%. Environmental public works improved 13% compared to the 12 months ending April 2024. Highway and bridge starts were up 4%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 16%, and utility/gas starts were down 6% over the same period. ����

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in April were the $1.8 billion Hudson Tunnel Project (Manhattan Tunnel) in New York, New York, the $775 million West Alabama Highway project in Thomasville, Alabama, and the $365 million Carpenter Wind farm (200 MW) in Carpenter Township, Indiana. ��

Nonresidential��

Nonresidential building starts receded 3% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $391 billion. Commercial starts were 21% lower in April, alongside weaker retail, office, and warehouse starts. Institutional starts, on the other hand, were up 2% last month following stronger healthcare and education starts. Manufacturing starts grew 78% over the month, as well. On a year-to-date basis through April, nonresidential starts are down 10% compared to April 2024. Commercial starts are up 3% and institutional starts are down 4% over the same period.����

For the 12 months ending April 2025, total nonresidential starts were up 1% compared to the 12 months ending April 2024. Commercial starts were up 12%, institutional starts improved 9%, and manufacturing starts were down 46% over the same period.����

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in April were the $1 billion Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Sacramento, California, the $940 million Bally’s River West Hotel and Casino in Chicago, Illinois and two buildings for the GM & Samsung SDI Battery Cell Factory in New Carlisle, Indiana – valued at $855 million and $875 million respectively.����

Residential��

Residential building starts fell 4% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $360 billion. Single-family starts decreased by 5%, while multifamily starts receded 3%. On a year-to-date basis through April, residential starts are down 5%, with single-family starts down 6% and multifamily starts down 4%. ��

For the 12 months ending April 2025, total residential starts were flat. Single-family��starts were up 3% and multifamily starts were down 7% compared to the 12 months ending April 2024.����

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in April were a $331 million residential and retail development in Jersey City, New Jersey, the $256 million Vista Point apartments at Fairview Life Care Community in Groton, Connecticut, and the $226 million Rambler Riverfront District apartments in West Lafayette, Indiana.����

Regionally, total construction starts in April rose in the Midwest, and declined in the Northeast, South Atlantic, South Central, and West.

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Nonresidential and nonbuilding activity drove growth.

BOSTON, MA — April 21, 2025 — Total construction starts were up 3% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.1 trillion, according to . Nonresidential building starts grew 6%, residential starts decreased 5%, while nonbuilding starts increased 9%. On a year-to-date basis through March, total construction starts were down 1% from last year. Nonresidential starts were down 9%, residential starts were down 5%, and nonbuilding starts were up by 16% over the same period.��

For the 12 months ending March 2025, total construction starts were up 4% from the 12 months ending March 2024. Residential starts were up 2%, nonresidential starts were up 3%, and nonbuilding starts rose 8% over the same period.����

“Construction activity grew over the month, but sector-specific data continued to show mixed trends,” stated Eric Gaus, chief economist at ����������վ. “Looking ahead, growing uncertainty around trade policy and the direction of the economy will likely weigh on construction activity. Rising delays in the planning pipeline suggest that developers are already bracing for impact, grappling with higher tariffs, dwindling federal funding, and ongoing labor shortages. We expect headwinds to grow as long as the uncertainty remains.”��

Nonbuilding

Nonbuilding construction starts grew 9% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $361 billion. Highway and bridge starts decreased 10%, environmental public works fell back 26%, and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were down 23% last month. Meanwhile, utility/gas starts were up a strong 159% in March. On a year-to-date basis through March, nonbuilding starts were up 16% in March, with utility/gas starts up 66%, miscellaneous nonbuilding down 5%, highway and bridge starts up 13%, and environmental public work starts up 1% over the same period. ��

For the 12 months ending March 2025, total nonbuilding starts were up 8%. Environmental public works led the way, improving 19% compared to the 12 months ending March 2024. Highway and bridge starts were up 6%, miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were up 17%, and utility/gas starts were down 5% over the same period.������

The largest nonbuilding projects to break ground in March were the $3.5 billion Sunrise Offshore Wind Farm (924 MW) in Montauk, New York, the $2.1 billion Greenlink West Transmission Line in Yerrington, Nevada, and the $756 million Rail Tie Wind project in Tie Siding, Wyoming.����

Nonresidential��

Nonresidential building starts improved 6% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $403 billion. Commercial starts were 21% higher in March, alongside stronger retail, office and warehouse starts. Institutional starts, on the other hand, were down 12% in March following weaker dormitory, government building, and transportation starts. Manufacturing starts grew 122% over the month. On a year-to-date basis through March, nonresidential starts are down 9% compared to March 2024. Commercial and institutional starts are up 3% over the same period.����

For the 12 months ending March 2025, total nonresidential starts were up 3% compared to the 12 months ending March 2024. Commercial starts were up 11%, institutional starts improved 15%, and manufacturing starts were down 44% over the same period.����

The largest nonresidential building projects to break ground in March were the $1 billion Johnson & Johnson Biologics Manufacturing Facility in Wilson, North Carolina, the $800 million Capital One Arena Modernization in Washington, D.C., and the $750 million Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. ��

Residential��

Residential building starts fell 5% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $377 billion. Single-family starts decreased by 10%, while multifamily starts increased by 4%.��On a year-to-date basis through March, residential starts are down 5% when compared to March 2024, with single-family starts down 4% and multifamily starts down 6%.����

For the 12 months ending March 2025, total residential starts were up 2%. Single-family��starts were up 7% and multifamily starts were down 8% compared to the 12 months ending March 2024.����

The largest multifamily structures to break ground in March were the $1 billion Four Seasons Private Residences Las Vegas in Henderson, Nevada, the $357 million Flatiron Building Condominiums in New York, NY, and the $276 million The Villa Miami Condominiums in Miami, Florida.������

Regionally, total construction starts in March rose in the Northeast, South Centra,l and West, remained flat in the Midwest, and declined in the South Atlantic.

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