Converting Offices Into Homes, an Emerging Industry Trend

In recent months, we have delved into the pressing issue of the
lack of rental supply across Canada. This episode explores a
creative and innovative solution: repurposing vacant buildings!
Today’s guest Howard Chai, a staff writer at STOREYS, has been
writing about this topic for a while now and has chatted with
many industry experts. He joins us to shed some light on this
topic. He explains the concept of "adaptive reuse" with a focus
on office-to-residential conversions. We discuss the driving
factors behind this trend, successful conversion stories in North
America and most notably, Calgary, and the lessons other cities
can learn from the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive
Program. We also discuss the challenges architects and developers
face considering these conversions and how the community
typically responds. We look at examples of how such conversions
positively impact developers, immigration, and rental supply
before Howard shares his predictions for the future of office
space and residential conversions in the years to come. Tune in
for fascinating insight into this potential solution to the
problem of the lack of rental supply!


Key Points From This Episode:


An introduction to today’s guest, Howard Chai, Staff Writer
at STOREYS.  

His thoughts on the current rental housing situation in
Canada. 

An overview of the concept of “adaptive reuse” and how this
relates to office-to-residential conversions.

The factors that are driving the trend of repurposing office
space for residential use.

Office-to-residential conversion success stories from Calgary
and other cities where this has been done.

Insight into the Downtown Calgary Development Incentive
Program and what other cities can learn from it. 

Some of the major challenges that architects and developers
encounter when attempting this type of conversion. 

The typical community response to these building
conversions. 

Conversion examples that brought a positive change for
developers, immigration, and rental supply. 

To what extent does the lack of data about conversion
projects hinder their adoption. 

Howard’s predictions for the future of office space and
residential conversions in the coming years. 



Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: 


Howard Chai on LinkedIn

STOREYS  

Transforming Empty Offices into Housing: A Potential Solution
to Canada's Housing Crisis? 

Adapt or Die: Why Converting Offices Into Homes Hasn’t Taken
Off in Canada

Downtown Development Incentive Programs

Gensler’s Steven Paynter on His Office Building Conversion
Algorithm

Rapid Housing Initiative

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