> Luckily we invented the elevator so we don't have to bulldoze forests to build more housing if we don't need to

And then it becomes a massive ugly splinter of 20-story residential towers despoiling the middle of a national park.

...and still expensive.

Limit it to 3 stories, at most 1/3 or 1/4. You can build really good looking midrises that integrate pretty well with the environment (and you do not need elevator for 3 to 4 stories midrises, it keeps the cost low. Also maybe the US should chill out on the staircase requirement too).

One parking spot for every apartment max too, to keep the footprint light. I think my residence has one spot per two apartment and it seems enough, its never full, but here people bike more than they drive, so that helps.

And would killer a lot of birds too; in a national park no less

I'm pretty sure bird-safe windows are a solved technology at this point.