ARE EMPTY DOWNTOWN OFFICES AMERICA'S NEXT HOT APARTMENT TREND?

​

Adaptive reuse transforms empty offices

​

Taking an existing office building and turning it into a home is an example of adaptive reuse. Adaptive reuse means converting an existing building into a different form. It then serves a new function

​

The conversion of warehouse spaces in Manhattan in the 1960s kicked off the trend. But any type of building can transform in this way. With a little imagination, a hotel, school, church, factory or office building can be turned into a home.

​

The structure can also become a mixeduse building. A mixed-use building combines residential, commercial and community spaces. That means renters can live, eat and shop under one roof.

​

The benefits of converting office buildings into homes

 

Location is a key driver towards the trend of converting office buildings into residential communities. "Adapting an existing building for a new purpose is immensely beneficial," says Heather Klejnot, community manager with ModelGroup, which has created mixed-used projects in several states. "First, location, location, location — and the potential of recreating density in areas that once were bustling with activity. Second, you have a gift (in most cases) of starting with stunning historical buildings with intricate details on the interiors and exteriors that become works of art in themselves when preserved. Existing buildings typically have the benefit of usable, existing infrastructure like the roads and city lights, as well. Not to mention the cost savings of not having to build what is already usable."

​

Sustainable and good for the environment

 

Adaptive reuse can be environmentally friendly and sustainable. It remodels structures that already exist instead of using resources to build a new home. Improvements often make apartments more environmentally friendly. That's important to renters who want to reduce their environmental impact.

​

Office buildings are already located in established neighborhoods. They're close to services, transportation and other amenities. So, renters can be part of the community from the moment they move in. A walkable neighborhood with accessible public transportation means residents can drive less. Some get rid of their cars altogether. That saves renters money and time. It's great for the environment, too.

​

Authenticity and character

 

Density means there's a high concentration of people, businesses and services in an area. This is convenient for renters. It also makes a neighborhood feel interesting. The building themselves are often interesting, as well.

​

"Adaptive reuse has been a key driver for anyone who's looking for authenticity, the culture of the area, something that is unique," says Downey. "They tend to be something that has a little bit more grit to it, rather than a sterile, pristine environment."

​

Developers target Class B and Class C office buildings for adaptive reuse. They're usually older structures with more historical character. So, adaptive reuse helps preserve a city's historic buildings. It also highlights a neighborhood's distinct culture.

​

The draw of high-density, walkable downtowns

 

City planners created American downtowns as mixed-use zones. They're designed so people can work, shop and gather a short walk away from home. Offices turned into homes allow more people to live in these walkable neighborhoods.

​

"The millennial generation and Gen Z are still very interested in a live/work/ play urban environment, as are the aging baby boomers and empty nesters who want to be within walking distance of services and transit," explains Downey. "I think the combination of multiple mixed-use facilities throughout neighborhoods builds in in the diversity and availability of services that allow the neighborhood to be more dynamic and complete."

​

Walkable downtowns are convenient. They help residents stay fit and active. And they reduce the need for a personal vehicle, which is better for the environment. Walkable neighborhoods even appeal to our sense of adventure.

​

"The general theory of walkability explains how, to be favored, a walk has to satisfy four main conditions," says Jeff Speck, author of "Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time." "It must be useful, safe, comfortable and interesting."

​

Scholess says that vibrant downtowns like Seattle blend work, play and tourism — creating a neighborhood that's always changing. Residents, visitors and workers are enjoying a diverse neighborhood's unique energy.
 

"It's the combination of that big, grand experience you came for — the great dinner, the big event, the big celebrations — but also those 'surprise and delight' moments that are not planned," Scholess says. "You come downtown with no plans and you wander. You experience people who aren't from your neighborhood, who aren't from your same socioeconomic strata. That mixing is hard to find in other places that people live in our city. The downtowns that do it right reflect the diversity of the region and bring all those people together."

​

Diverse neighborhoods help cities thrive

 

Downtown districts across the country suffered when the pandemic shut down offices. But neighborhoods that balance commercial and residential properties are bouncing back.

​

"Those urban centers that already had increasing residential were more fortunate through the pandemic than the single-use urban centers that didn't have that residential population," explains Downey. "A wonderful comparison would be Midtown Atlanta, which did better than downtown Atlanta because of the residential base."

​

Scholess says downtown Seattle's residential base kept the neighborhood going last year. The district did lose some residents in 2020. But the population increased this year, even though only 24 percent of workers are back in the office.

​

"We're close to about 100,000 people living in the greater downtown, a record number," says Scholess. "There are more people living downtown now than ever."