flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Trade war could make adaptive reuse more attractive

Codes and Standards

Trade war could make adaptive reuse more attractive

Higher cost of building materials could make rehab a better financial bet.


By Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor | August 31, 2018

Amid uncertainty about how an extended trade war could affect the price of construction materials and boost the cost of new construction, adaptive reuse may be an increasingly attractive option.

With the costs of building new rising, new research by the Alabama Center for Real Estate found that adaptive reuse projects cost as much as 15% to 20% less than a new construction alternative. In order for adaptive reuse to work, though, flexibility is required in zoning and approval processes such as parking and density requirements.

Many cities have made these regulations more flexible for adaptive reuse projects and their efforts serve as a blueprint for smaller communities where these projects may now be more economically viable. Also making adaptive reuse more attractive is a desire by both Millennials and Baby Boomers to live in urban areas.

There is a scarcity of developable land in many urban areas, so repurposing existing structures can be a great way to create additional housing.

Related Stories

Codes and Standards | Feb 15, 2019

Super Bowl stadium helps alleviate Atlanta’s flood problems

Capacity to store more than 2 million gallons of storm water on site.

Codes and Standards | Feb 14, 2019

ISO publishes first global BIM standards

Based on British standard and a publicly available standard.

Codes and Standards | Feb 11, 2019

Investing in downtowns pays off for cities, regions

Benefits include driving tax revenue, business activity, and smart development.

Codes and Standards | Feb 8, 2019

Oslo, Norway’s downtown goes virtually car-free

Parking spots converted to bike lanes, transit is fast and easy.

Codes and Standards | Feb 7, 2019

New North Carolina energy code has extensive lighting control requirements

Includes automatic shut offs for buildings of all sizes.

Codes and Standards | Feb 6, 2019

Solar carports can help with California’s Title 24 mandates

Can be combined with virtual net-metering software and tax-enabled financing.

Codes and Standards | Feb 1, 2019

Mass. governor proposes real estate transfer fee hike for climate resiliency projects

Opposed by real estate and trade groups, plan could generate $1 billion in next decade.

Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2019

New York City will reform construction bid process

Streamlined process intended to improve efficiency, reduce hassle for bidders.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021