As the population grows in the area new apartments are being built. It is a sight to see as these apartment buildings go up. There is anticipation as to how they will look when they are done. However, when watching a recent apartment complex going up in Alcoa, it looks like they are building tinderboxes.

Right across the street from the Alcoa apartment complex, a hotel is being built, Hilton Home 2 Suites. The hotel is being built of steel and concrete. It just looks safer for multi-housing.

The apartments are 3-4 stories and the hotel is 3-4 stories.

I have to say this is not unique to Alcoa. There is a complex going up on Maloney Road, off of Alcoa Highway in South Knoxville, that has the same attributes.

Here is an article from Canada covering this topic, "WOOD VS. CONCRETE: HOW STRUCTURAL MATERIALS ARE CHOSEN." In British Columbia, "building code dictates that the majority of buildings above six storeys must be made from concrete due to its more sturdy and durable properties." Concrete buildings are more expensive. However, buyers and builders "should be mindful of how a building material may impact the long-term value of their new home and a resident’s budget. Concrete absorbs and retains heat and moderates temperature, reducing energy costs to those living within the home. Concrete buildings also tend to hold their value, proving to be a strong property investment choice. Due to the nature of wood, maintenance and heating costs will lean slightly higher compared to a concrete building."