Joshua McNichols
Growth and Development Reporter
About
As KUOW's Growth and Development reporter and co-host of KUOW's Booming podcast, Joshua's "growing pains" beat sits at the nexus of housing, transportation, urban planning, government and the economy. His favorite stories also include themes of history, technology, and climate change.
Joshua holds a B.A. in Architecture from the University of Washington. Public Radio is his second career; architecture was his first. He is proud of the many odd jobs he's held in his life, such as salmon fisher, author, bike courier, and bed-and-breakfast cook.
Location: Seattle
Languages Spoken: English
Pronouns: he/him
Professional Affiliations: The Society of Professional Journalists, Western Washington Chapter
Stories
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Robots are helping build new apartments in Seattle
The construction industry - has been having a hard time finding enough workers lately. The worker shortage can delay projects and push the cost of housing higher. That situation has led one contractor to try something new, at a project in Seattle. They’re bringing in a robot.
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In Seattle, office-to-residential building conversions win unanimous council approval
From now on, it’ll be easier for developers in Seattle to turn underused office buildings into apartments.
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A robot took his job. And he's happy about it
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Business
Downtown Seattle office values are dropping like overripe plums. That's not all bad
In the Seattle metro area, the market price for a place to attempt to concentrate on your work while colleagues talk loudly near your desk is dropping significantly. Eastside, don't get cocky - it's happening there too.
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Economy
Why McMenamins is sticking with Tacoma, despite losses at popular Elks Temple
The century-old Elks Temple in downtown Tacoma cost $30 million to turn into a hotel/restaurant/bar/concert venue. It opened right before the pandemic. Since then, it's been a consistent money-loser for the company that restored it. But the McMenamins company made its name by taking the long view. Company co-founder Mike McMenamin has no intention of changing that now.
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Can buildings learn?
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Seattle's surprising place for housing bargains: Downtown
If you’re looking to buy a home in Seattle, there’s a surprising neighborhood where homes are $100,000 cheaper than the city average: downtown Seattle.
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Business
Downtown Seattle's 'zombie' office buildings could get second life as apartments under new rules
Downtown Seattle has a lot of empty offices. Vacancy rates are almost 30%, according to a recent report. So the Mayor and the City Council want to make it easier and cheaper to turn those buildings into apartments. The question is how much they're willing to give up in order to encourage them.
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The risky business of airplanes
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Economy
How downtown Seattle's forsaken real estate could bring good fortune
Some real estate experts say downtown Seattle has hit rock-bottom, or will soon. And there’s nowhere to go but up.