Adaptive Reuse: Unleashing a Building’s Potential

Many older buildings simply get demolished to make way for new construction but doing so isn’t always the best use of the existing structure. Some of these buildings have become historic landmarks or, at the very least, a fixture in their city or neighborhood. Tearing them down not only destroys a piece of history, it can also make residents very upset.

Even if the debris can be recycled into usable materials, the unique building is often irreplaceable. If you’re in the market for concrete forms for sale, you know how much impact a new building can have on a community.

Adaptive reuse is a process that allows businesses and even homeowners to reuse these aging buildings, transforming them into the offices, workshops, apartment complexes, and even houses they need.

What Adaptive Reuse Involves

Adaptive reuse seeks to accomplish two goals: keep the original exterior of the structure the same while transforming the interior into a useable space. This may mean gutting the building, or it could mean restoring the interior, but keeping the layout mostly the same. As long as the historical exterior and look is still the same, that’s all that matters.

Buildings on the Historical Register

However, while it may sound like you have free reign to do whatever you want to do to the interior of the building, that may not always be the case. Buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places often come with additional rules and regulations that you must follow. While it’s still possible to fully renovate the building, there may be unique features or design elements that have to remain.

Purchasing Materials Is Easy with Tax Credits

Budgeting your adaptive reuse project is made much easier thanks to the historic tax credits that you can take advantage of. By reusing and renovating a historic building, you likely qualify for these federal tax credits.

If the building is on the National Register or if it’s a part of a historic district, it’s likely you can receive a credit good for 20% of qualified expenses. In some projects, that’s a fairly large amount of money.

Make Buildings that Will Last for Decades

Ever wonder why older buildings are still standing while some fairly new structures are already in need of major renovations? That’s because these older buildings were built with incredibly durable materials.

While they may not necessarily make use of today’s insulation methods or earthquake-protection systems, they’re incredibly strong. They were made to last for decades, while today’s buildings often aren’t.

Renovating and reusing an older building allows you to combine this legacy stability with today’s innovative technologies, creating a building that looks unique and is very resilient while still having everything a modern space needs.

The Costs Are Different

The costs of adaptive reuse are different from those of brand new construction. In renovating a building, there are fewer environmental costs and demolition costs. You don’t have to clear the space or worry about the controlled demolition of the shell of the building.

Overall, renovation usually has higher labor costs due to the fact that you have to remove, replace, and repair much of the interior. However, there are usually lower concrete material costs since you’re not building the entire structure from scratch.

Also, the money you save through avoiding some expenses and from the tax credits makes adaptive reuse of a historic building a very appealing option. There’s also the goodwill you’ll build with the neighborhood for protecting and restoring a beloved historical building. This goodwill is often priceless and can earn you a number of new customers or, at the very least, supporters.

Looking for Concrete Forms for Sale?

If you’re preparing to implement adaptive reuse to reclaim an aging building, you may need concrete forms and other building materials. Contact us today to discuss your particular needs.