TORONTO — Rider Levett Bucknall’s (RLB) first quarter crane index for North America is shedding light on where the market currently sits when it comes to building on both sides of the border with Toronto dominating the numbers.
More specifically, New York and Toronto have tipped the scales toward a steady crane count overall, the index notes, despite seven of the 14 cities surveyed experiencing a decrease larger than 20 per cent.
The North American crane index is published biannually and tracks the number of operating tower cranes in 14 major cities across the U.S. and Canada.
RLB states the first quarter count is reflective of the market’s hesitation to move forward with major projects due to economic uncertainty.
“Interest rates have declined, and the rate of construction cost increases has slowed since the previous issue,” the index notes.
However, despite this downturn, certain markets remain strong, with Toronto, New York City and Honolulu showing new activity, particularly in residential and mixed-use developments.
Here is a further breakdown of the crane counts:
TORONTO – Crane count: 106
Between August 2024 and February 2025 Toronto’s crane count grew by over 20 per cent. For the first quarter there were 106 cranes with the residential sector leading the growth. Mixed-use developments remain the second most active sector. Education and health care projects have introduced new cranes where there was minimal previous activity, and the commercial and cultural sectors show signs of revival, RLB explains. It should be noted Toronto reports on an altered survey area, with priority given to the downtown core. The revised radius is 3.5 kilometres from the Bloor Street West and Avenue Road centre and accounts for 35 per cent of the overall Toronto crane count.
HONOLULU – Crane count: 12
Construction in Honolulu continues at a steady pace, with mixed-use residential projects still dominating the market. The quarter saw the addition of two new cranes: one for a publicly funded affordable housing development and another for a private K-12 education centre. Although there has been a reduction in cranes for the industrial sector, contractors remain actively engaged in ongoing critical infrastructure projects.
NEW YORK CITY – Crane count: 9
New York City’s crane count increased by four between August 2024 and February 2025. The area stretching from 59th Street to 12th Street between 2nd Avenue and 12th Avenue currently hosts nine active cranes. Mixed-use developments lead with five cranes: two in the Garment District, one on 7th Avenue and two in midtown.
There is also two large-scale residential buildings under construction.
BOSTON – Crane count: 8
According to RLB, cranes are now evenly distributed across the education, health care, mixed-use and residential sectors.
CALGARY – Crane count: 24
Calgary’s crane count remains stable. The housing market is trending toward balance by 2025, the index notes, with residential building permits growing by 12 per cent in 2024. The City of Calgary is funding major infrastructure projects, including roads, transit and utilities.
CHICAGO – Crane count: 2
The Chicago metro area has experienced a significant contraction in residential development. Notable projects include Prime | Capri Interests’ redevelopment of the James R. Thompson Center into Google’s Illinois headquarters and the 400 Lake Shore project, a high-end apartment building with approximately two years remaining until completion. The Fulton Market area has no ongoing projects.
DENVER – Crane count: 10
Denver’s downward trend continues, decreasing by three since Q3 2024 to 10 cranes, a significant reduction from 36 cranes two years ago. This decline primarily reflects a slowdown in private sector activity, particularly in residential and mixed-use developments. Most remaining cranes are concentrated in Cherry Creek, Civic Center/ Golden Triangle and the Central Business District.
LAS VEGAS – Crane count: 9
Hotel renovations are dominating the Las Vegas construction pipeline currently, alongside increased housing developments throughout the Las Vegas valley. The 2025 economic outlook remains uncertain due to new immigration policies and potential tariff increases affecting building material costs. Major projects include the upcoming construction of a $1.75 billion baseball stadium at the former Tropicana site, the Dream Hotel project and the new Hard Rock Hotel construction, which is targeting a 2027 opening.
LOS ANGELES – Crane count: 42
Los Angeles has sustained a steady crane count. Ongoing projects continue to advance at a consistent and measured pace, signalling resilience in the local development sector.
PHOENIX — Crane count: 5
Several new cranes have appeared that are likely for residential/mixed-use developments, though specific details remain limited. A notable addition is The Edith, a new 17-storey hotel under construction.
PORTLAND – Crane count: 5
Portland saw a reduction of two cranes, signifying a typical seasonal fluctuation. Significant development continues in areas outside Portland city limits, though this is not represented in the current crane count.
SAN FRANCISCO – Crane count: 3
San Francisco’s crane count has declined as numerous projects reach completion. Residential projects in SoMa and worship projects in the Presidio and Pacific Heights are also being finished. No new tower cranes have been erected during this period.
SEATTLE – Crane count: 17
Seattle’s crane count has continued to decrease since last August. The public, health care and education sectors each experienced a reduction of one crane. Meanwhile, the majority of cranes continue to be allocated to mixed-use and residential projects.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Crane count: 8
Construction activity in Washington, D.C., has decreased significantly as many projects have been completed, RLB states. However, the outlook for residential projects remains positive, with ongoing conversions of office spaces into apartments. There has also been a notable increase in mixed-use developments, particularly in areas like Buzzard Point.
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