99% Invisible Office Space
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Aug 29, 2023 Vacant office buildings may hold the key to solving urban housing shortages. Converting these spaces into residential units could address both empty properties and affordability crises. The podcast explores challenges, like regulatory hurdles, and highlights innovative projects in cities like Manhattan. It discusses the evolution of adaptive reuse strategies, emphasizing flexibility in design. With ongoing transformations, the conversation reveals an optimistic view on the future of urban spaces and vibrant communities.
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Office Conversions: A Potential Solution
- Empty offices create a "doom loop" with lower property taxes and reduced downtown activity.
- Office conversions could solve both the housing crisis and the doom loop.
Water Street Conversion
- Chris Berube visited the Water Street construction site, a former office tower being converted into apartments.
- The building's facade is being renovated with new windows and sills.
Conversion Challenges
- Office buildings lack the flexibility of Victorian townhouses, which easily convert into apartments.
- Conversions require extensive work, including plumbing and parking changes, as seen at the Water Street site.
