Wooden multi-story building are standard in the US, at least in the midwest. Many new apartment buildings less than 7 stories are constructed with wood. I actually live in a 6 story wooden building with about 300 housing units.
Also, stepping back higher stories is commonly done to help deal with shadows.
Also, stepping back higher stories is commonly done to help deal with shadows.
http://www.woodworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Paper_38...