There are many challenges in the commercial real estate sector these days. An acute shortage of warehousing space. Remote work causing commercial office prices to plummet. Tightening environmental standards. These factors have left businesses looking for creative solutions. One of the most exciting lies in adaptive reuse of historical structures. Keep reading as we explore how adaptive reuse can give new opportunities to existing buildings.

Benefits of Adaptive Reuse

Three construction workers checking the project schedule and moving crates inside a commercial property.

Adaptive reuse is an attractive option for historical commercial properties. It has multiple benefits that can save time and money while protecting the environment.

Economic Savings

With any type of construction project, many key decisions will come down to dollars and cents. If a historical building is in good condition, projects can save significant money on materials and labor by renovating for reuse as opposed to demolishing and starting from scratch. There are even some cities offering incentives for businesses willing to convert existing structures for new uses.

Sustainability

Sustainability is another primary reason to choose adaptive reuse. By giving existing properties a new life, it can significantly cut down on raw material usage. There is also likely to be far less energy used when repurposing as opposed to starting from scratch.

Reduced Sprawl

Piggybacking off of sustainability, urban/suburban sprawl reduction is another reason to choose adaptive reuse. The further buildings and infrastructure move from traditional downtowns, the more it infringes on forests, farmland, and wildlife habitats. It also increases the distance–and energy required–to commute to and from work.

Cultural Preservation

Each historic downtown tells its unique story through its architecture. By choosing adaptive reuse, new chapters are added to that story. This helps preserve rich cultural heritage in ways that new construction cannot.

Adaptive Reuse vs Retrofitting

A female construction worker moving drywall into place in a commercial building.

The terms adaptive reuse and retrofitting get used interchangeably in many cases. However, there are some subtle differences between the two.

 

Retrofitting involves updating any aspect of the building to make it more compliant with modern times while the building itself continues in its existing role. Adding new windows with architectural sunshades to a commercial office building is a common retrofitting project. The new window system makes the commercial office facility more energy efficient, but it is still a commercial office.

 

Adaptive reuse involves repurposing an abandoned building to give it a new life. While there will undoubtedly be some elements of retrofitting in an adaptive reuse project, the process is far more comprehensive. In the previous example, if an abandoned commercial office building were renovated and turned into an apartment complex, then that would qualify as adaptive reuse. The existing structure is being reused for a completely different purpose.

Types of Adaptive Reuse

Three designers discussing plan changes in a commercial property.

According to the University College of Estate Management, there are 5 primary types of adaptive reuse of commercial spaces:

 

  1. Facadectomy – this involves preserving the exterior of the building while “gutting” the entire interior. This process strays farther away from strict adaptive reuse but is better than a demolition and starting from scratch.
  2. Integration – this involves building a new structure around an existing structure. The historical building will likely need to be modernized some during this process and may or may not continue in its existing role.
  3. Renovation – this involves modernizing and replacing elements of an existing building before opening for its new purpose. This is arguably the most common type of adaptive reuse in urban areas.
  4. Infrastructure – this is when roads, bridges, viaducts, railways, and other forms of infrastructure are given a new life. These types of infrastructural elements are commonly turned into city parks, historical areas, or other types of tourist attractions.
  5. Heritage conservation/preservation – this is the strictest form of adaptive reuse. It aims to make as few renovations as possible to a historical building before opening for its new purpose.

 

There are numerous factors that will influence which type of adaptive reuse project to undertake. Timeline, budget, local building codes, and condition of the existing building are just a few. It is critical to perform the necessary due diligence prior to starting the process to give the project the best chance for long-term success.

Challenges of Adaptive Reuse

Although the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks of adaptive reuse, there are a few important points to keep in mind when considering the process.

Utility Daylighting

It can be difficult to access delicate pipes and utility wires when modernizing existing buildings. Instead of traditional excavation, consider more innovative hydrovac trucks for utility daylighting. This will streamline the process and greatly limit the chance of damage.

Hard-to-Reach Areas

It can be difficult to access every nook and cranny of an existing structure. It may require some digging, poking, and prodding. When accessing upper levels of a multi-story structure, be sure to use the proper scaffold for construction to facilitate the process while keeping workers safe.

Potential Environmental Hazards

A building that looks good may have some nasty surprises. Rot, mold, and pest infestation may turn seemingly small issues into major challenges. Problems with electrical wiring and plumbing leaks can also become major headaches. Make sure there are plenty of safeguards on hand for these emergent issues. Invest in comprehensive fire suppression. Look into portable air scrubbers and construction dust control systems to promote air quality. Add temporary wall panels to keep specific areas of the renovation project secure.

Breathe New Life into Commercial Properties Through Adaptive Reuse

Adaptive reuse is emerging as an enticing trend for commercial properties looking to tackle modern challenges. It can help save time and money in the construction process while promoting sustainability. For more of the latest commercial real estate trends in the Rio Grande Valley, explore the resources at Cindy Hopkins Real Estate for the leading market insights.

 

Author Bio:

Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in residential and commercial real estate, as well as engineering, construction, and business. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.