HAMILTON, NJ – Total construction starts slipped 6% from December to January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $759.2 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. All three major categories went lower in January — residential building starts fell 8%, nonresidential building lost 6%, and nonbuilding starts went 2% lower.
With only one, limited month of data available for 2020, it is hard to ascribe a 2020 trend. Some perspective can be gleaned, but, by examining a 12-month moving total. For the 12 months ending January 2020, total construction starts were 1% higher than during the previous 12-month period. By major category, residential building starts were 1% lower and nonresidential building starts were down by less than a percentage point, but nonbuilding construction was 8% higher during the 12 months that finished in January 2020.
In January, the Dodge Index went downward to 161 (2000=100) compared to the 171 posted in December 2019 and was 8% lower than its most recent 12-month average.
Coming in slightly weaker than the previous month, January s starts did small to change our view that construction starts will remain near their recent highs in 2020 even though they are likely to fall as the economy slows, stated Richard Branch, Chief Economist of Dodge Data & Analytics.
Nonbuilding construction starts went 2% lower in January, falling to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $167.2 billion. In January, gains were seen in highways and bridges as well as miscellaneous nonbuilding categories, which went up 15% and 12% respectively. Meanwhile, the utility/gas plant and the environmental public works sectors both pulled back, falling 29% and 10%.
The largest nonbuilding construction project to break ground in January was the $705 million extension of the South Central LRT in Phoenix AZ. Also starting in January was the $575 million Permian Energy Center solar project in Andrews county TX and the $550 million Wheatridge wind and solar project in Lexington OR.
For the 12 months ending January 2020, total nonbuilding starts were up 8% compared to the 12 months ending January 2019. On the plus side, environmental public works were up 4% and the utilities/gas plants were up an impressive 116%. Streets and bridge starts, but, were 8% lower and miscellaneous nonbuilding starts were down 19%.
Nonresidential building starts fell 6% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $266.6 billion. But, if not for the start of a large manufacturing project nonresidential building starts would have declined 11%. In January, manufacturing starts more than doubled, while commercial building starts slipped 16%, and institutional starts fell 6%.
The largest nonresidential building project to break ground in January was the $475 million Cree Semiconductor plant in Marcy NY. Also starting was the $476 million BMO Office Tower in Chicago IL and the $400 million Husky Superior refinery in Superior WI.
On a 12-month total basis, total nonresidential building starts were less than one percentage point lower than they were in the 12 months ending in January 2019. Commercial starts were 5% higher, while institutional starts fell 3% and manufacturing starts were down 10%.
Residential building starts dropped 8% in January to a seasonally adjusted rate of $325.4 billion. During the month single family starts fell 5%, while multifamily starts lost 15%.
The largest multifamily structure to break ground in January was the $300 million Liberty on the River Apartment Tower in Philadelphia PA. Also starting in January was a $260 million mixed-used building on 10th Avenue in New York NY as well as the $249 million Downtown Fifth Luxury Apartments in Miami FL.
For the 12 months ending in January, total residential starts were 1% lower than the previous 12 months. Single family starts gained 1%, but multifamily building starts were 5% lower.

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LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Wood Partners, a national leader in multi-family real estate development and acquisition, announced the grand opening of its newest luxury residential community – Alta Sugarloaf – in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Located in Gwinnett County, 25 miles northeast of Downtown Atlanta, Alta Sugarloaf offers residents a sophisticated lifestyle with high-quality finishes and amenities, proximity to a range of employers and unparalleled access to outdoor green spaces.
“The Alta Sugarloaf community has a quaint neighborhood feel, with apartment homes spread over nine buildings on site,” said Bennett Sands, Managing Director for Wood Partners. “With quick access to Gwinnett County’s ever-expanding Greenway Trails system and a booming job market, Alta Sugarloaf is a fantastic value with best-in-class features, amenities and service.”
At 1399 Herrington Road, Alta Sugarloaf is located near a number of major roadways – including Duluth Highway, Riverside Parkway and GeorgiaHighway 316 – easing commute times. The nearby Sugarloaf Mills, Gwinnett Place Mall and Infinite Energy Center provide a range of retail, dining and entertainment options.
Major employers, including Gwinnett Medical Center, Cisco Systems, Primerica Financial Services and the U.S. Postal Service, are a small drive away and several large companies are expanding into the area, with thousands of new jobs expected in coming years. Residents can shop at their grocery store of choice with Walmart, Kroger, Publix and ALDI locations in the vicinity.
Alta Sugarloaf features resort-style amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool with tanning ledges, a sundeck with shaded areas and a double-sided fireplace. The community features a 24/7 secure package room, electric vehicle charging stations, dog parks and a bicycle repair room. Several existing Gwinnett County Greenway Trails are nearby, and Alta Sugarloaf’s property includes part of the future Lee Daniel Creek Greenway.
Each apartment home includes stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink with gooseneck faucet, low-profile gas cooking ranges, oversized side-by-side refrigerator and freezer, granite countertops and vinyl wood flooring. All homes offer full-size, in-unit washer and dryer.
Alta Sugarloaf offers 330 units in one-, two- and three-bedroom custom-designed floor plans.

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BLUFFTON, SC – JMG Realty announced that Enclave at Bluffton Park, a 110-unit luxury multifamily community under construction in Bluffton, South Carolina, will open its doors to the public March 2nd with go-ins expected shortly thereafter. The first building will include both one bedroom apartments and three bedroom townhomes, as well as the leasing office and amenities including a state of the art fitness center, internet café and coffee bar, conference room and a luxury lounging nook for residents. Construction is expected to be complete in mid-2020.
The residences will have high end finishes such as luxury plank flooring, high ceilings, granite counters, subway-tile backsplash, oversized kitchen islands, and stainless-steel appliances. The community features private balconies & patios, many with views of the adjacent nature preserve. One tale garden as well as two tale townhome floor plans are available, as well as attached and detached garages.
Enclave at Bluffton Park boasts a variety of resort-style amenities including a sparkling pool with covered entertainment pavilion, a spacious clubhouse with 24-hour fitness center & outdoor recreational areas including grills & televisions. Pleasantly situated in a gorgeous natural marsh environment, Enclave at Bluffton Park will provide plenty of privacy while it’s ultra-convenient Bluffton Parkway location will allow residents simple access to all that Bluffton & Hilton Head Island have to offer.
Enclave residents can take advantage of the complimentary bicycles that will provide quick access to Ancient Town Bluffton shops and restaurants, being a mere half mile away and situated on the connecting bike path.
JMG’s Jean Woodworth, Executive Vice President & Partner, said the following: “We look forward to carrying out the developer’s vision to cultivate a lifestyle at the Enclave consistent with the vibrant low-country culture of our neighbors in Ancient Town Bluffton.” Woodworth also noted that the community has joined the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to being an integral part of the Bluffton business community.

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