U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition announces winners

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Softwood Lumber Board and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council announced on Thursday the winners of the U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition, both of which will receive $1.5 million to build demonstration projects, one in New York and one in Oregon.

"Tall wood building systems have been embraced by developers and architects around the world for many years," Softwood Lumber Board Chair Marc Brinkmeyer said. "Moving forward with these projects is a step in the right direction for the U.S. building industry in having the ability to take full advantage of the inherent benefits of wood from both an environmental and economic standpoint."

The winning proposals were submitted by Framework and 475 West 18th. Framework will create a 12-story building primarily from cross-laminated timber that will include street-level office and retail space and community space. In New York City, 475 West 18th will build a low-carbon, sustainable high-rise.

"The U.S. wood products industry is vitally important as it employs more than 547,000 people in manufacturing and forestry, with another 2.4 million jobs supported by U.S. private-forest owners," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "By embracing the benefits of wood as a sustainable building material, these demonstration projects have the ability to help change the face of our communities, mitigate climate change and support jobs in rural America. I look forward to seeing how these two buildings help lead the way in furthering the industry."