Preliminary data on permits for new construction of apartments in 2018 from the Pittsburgh Homebuilding Report reveals a big drop. Some 50% fewer apartments were started in 2018, with permits for 1,164 units vs. 2,368 in 2017. The decline appears to be a pause rather than a trend, as some 1,200+ units of new multi-family are about to start work or are being budgeted at the moment. TWG Development is budgeting its 280-unit South Side apartment project. Continental Building Co. is looking at the Waterfront apartments in Homestead. Elford Construction is budgeting a new complex in Cranberry Township at Brandt Road.

In construction news, New-Belle Construction started work on the new 100,000 square foot facility for Apex International in Alta Vista Business Park. The contractor is also working on a 38,000 square foot facility in Alta Vista for Nine Energy Services. Mistick Construction was selected for the $10-20 million renovations to the Fairfax Apartments and Webster Hall in Oakland. DiMarco Construction has started work on its new 29,000 square foot headquarters in Elizabeth, PA.