Architecture Pulse

In 2024, Manhattan experienced a record increase in office-to-apartment conversions, with 3.3 million square feet of office space repurposed for residential use—more than double the 1.6 million square feet converted in 2023. The surge is attributed to: Declining demand for office space post-pandemic. New zoning incentives facilitating residential conversion, such as the Midtown South Mixed-Use Plan (MSMX), which rezones 42 square blocks and could deliver 9,500 new housing units.

A Utah-based architecture firm, Sparano + Mooney, is increasingly attracting national attention for its sleek, modern homes nestled in the dramatic landscapes of the Wasatch Mountains. Utah has historically flown under the radar in residential architecture, despite an abundance of breathtaking home sites. Unlike many U.S. cities, Utahโ€™s urban centers sit directly against rugged topography, yet its hillside neighborhoods have often been dominated by conventional suburban designs or McMansions.

Oklahoma City is set to make architectural history with the approval of Legends Tower, poised to become the tallest skyscraper in the United States. The Oklahoma City Council has officially granted the project unlimited height, allowing the development team to redefine the city’s skyline. AO, the architecture firm leading the project, confirmed that they are teaming up with real estate developers Matteson Capital to bring the ambitious tower to life in the vibrant Bricktown District.

Philadelphia welcomes a striking new cultural landmark this September with the opening of Calder Gardens, a visionary collaboration between Herzog & de Meuron and landscape designer Piet Oudolf. Conceived as a living dialogue between art, architecture, and nature, the project celebrates the life and legacy of American sculptor Alexander Calder, offering visitors an immersive experience unlike any other.

The Kips Bay Decorator Show House has returned to New York for its 50th anniversary, taking over a six-story Greenwich Village townhouse that embodies the cityโ€™s architectural charm. Established in 1973 to support the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club, the Show House has grown into one of the most prestigious design events in the world โ€” inspiring trends, supporting philanthropy, and celebrating craftsmanship for half a century.

In an era marked by escalating building-material costs and the uncertainty of global tariffs, evidence of a slowdown in the custom-home market is emerging. The National Association of Home Builders recently reported a 3.7% decline in single-family homes under construction compared to last year. Yet, the demand for skilled carpenters, stonemasons, plumbers, and electricians remains robust, and residential constructionโ€”including architectural servicesโ€”is still operating at full tilt.

Founded in 1872 by formerly enslaved leaders Richard Allen, Richard Brock, Jack Yates, and Elias Dibble, Emancipation Park was purchased to commemorate the end of slavery and, during segregation, served as one of the few public spaces open to Black residents. Today, the park remains a vital cultural landmark in Houston. Outdoor Performance Stage: A new 5,000-square-foot stage next to the Eldorado Ballroom will include green rooms, climate-controlled storage, and an advanced AV tech suite.

For more than three decades, Michigan Central Station, the grand Beaux-Arts landmark that welcomed visitors to Detroit since 1913, sat abandoned. Its shattered windows, graffiti-covered lobby, and peeling surfaces became a symbol of the city’s postindustrial decline and a popular subject for so-called “ruin porn” photography. A decade ago, revitalizing the building seemed far-fetched—even as Detroit saw scattered redevelopment. Times have changed.

Abhijeet Padale, Vice President โ€“ Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) for Western India at ANAROCK Project Management & Engineering Services, has been honored with the prestigious IIINA 2026 Gold Award in the Construction Safety Head category at the ISDA Infracon National Awards held in New Delhi.

Mike Hunkler has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Nashville Branch with two prestigious honorsโ€”Life Member status and the Distinguished Engineer Award. The recognition celebrates a remarkable career spanning more than four decades and acknowledges his significant contributions to the civil engineering profession, infrastructure development, and industry leadership.