Beginning in the 1970s adaptive reuse projects transformed 19th and early 20th Century buildings into distinctive retail destinations. Increasingly, developers of adaptive reuse projects are targeting outmoded corporate buildings of the 1950s to 1980s.
The first wave of adaptive reuse projects focused on brick structures with long rows of identical windows paralleling a pier, a river, or a rail line. Modernist buildings, often boxy structures composed of concrete exteriors, present a far different aesthetic for designers.
Adaptive reuse brings new life to modernist buildings
A report by Bloomberg on the latest adaptive reuse trend includes a description of a Houston project that transformed a 550,000-sf former postal facility into a combination event space, food hall, and coworking complex.
The project cut large holes in the roof for skylights. Other modernist building reformations cut giant holes in existing structures to bring in more daylight or create larger interior spaces. There were no outcries from historical preservationists over the drastic reconfigurations.
Despite the challenges, including the need to undo single-use zoning at many sites, the reimagining of the modernist era’s “hundreds of millions of square feet of outdated office parks, shopping malls, factories, distribution centers and their associated parking lots” is necessary for environmental reasons, the report says. Otherwise, millions of pounds of embodied carbon would be released back into the environment by demolishing them.
Related Stories
Affordable Housing | Dec 14, 2023
What's next for affordable housing in 2024?
As 2023 draws to a close, GBBN’s Mary Jo Minerich and Amanda Markovic, AIA sat down to talk about the future. What’s next in terms of trends, technology, and construction of affordable housing?
MFPRO+ News | Nov 21, 2023
Underused strip malls offer great potential for conversions to residential use
Replacing moribund strip malls with multifamily housing could make a notable dent in the housing shortage and revitalize under-used properties across the country, according to a report from housing nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners.
Office Buildings | Nov 10, 2023
3 important early considerations for office-to-residential conversions
Scott Campagna, PE, Senior Director of Housing, IMEG Corp, shares insights from experts on office-to-residential conversion issues that may be mitigated when dealt with early.
Adaptive Reuse | Nov 1, 2023
Biden Administration reveals plan to spur more office-to-residential conversions
The Biden Administration recently announced plans to encourage more office buildings to be converted to residential use. The plan includes using federal money to lend to developers for conversion projects and selling government property that is suitable for conversions.
Government Buildings | Oct 23, 2023
Former munitions plant reimagined as net-zero federal workplace
The General Services Administration (GSA) has embraced adaptive reuse with Building 48, an exciting workplace project that sets new precedents for how the federal government will approach sustainable design.
Esports Arenas | Oct 10, 2023
Modular esports arena attracts more than gamers
As the esports market continues to grow to unprecedented numbers, more facilities are being developed by universities and real estate firms each year.
Luxury Residential | Oct 2, 2023
Chicago's Belden-Stratford luxury apartments gets centennial facelift
The Belden-Stratford has reopened its doors following a renovation that blends the 100-year-old building’s original architecture with modern residences.
Office Buildings | Sep 28, 2023
Structural engineering solutions for office-to-residential conversion
IMEG's Edwin Dean, Joe Gulden, and Doug Sweeney, share seven key focuses for structural engineers when planning office-to-residential conversions.
Adaptive Reuse | Sep 19, 2023
Transforming shopping malls into 21st century neighborhoods
As we reimagine the antiquated shopping mall, Marc Asnis, AICP, Associate, Perkins&Will, details four first steps to consider.
Adaptive Reuse | Sep 15, 2023
Salt Lake City’s Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse will transform into a modern workplace for federal agencies
In downtown Salt Lake City, the Frank E. Moss U.S. Courthouse is being transformed into a modern workplace for about a dozen federal agencies. By providing offices for agencies previously housed elsewhere, the adaptive reuse project is expected to realize an annual savings for the federal government of up to $6 million in lease costs.
