Unoccupied office buildings in major US cities are sending their downtowns into a so-called “urban doom loop.” With the widespread adoption of hybrid work, the influx of office-goers to central business districts has drastically dwindled. As a result, retail and restaurant businesses in these areas are struggling, urban transit systems are losing ridership, and city governments are grappling with the loss of tax revenue necessary to maintain public safety and sanitation. So, how can cities bring people back into their central business districts? While discussions on transforming offices into housing have given fruition significant city and federal incentives across the United States, what solutions exist for offices that aren't viable for such conversions?
Discussions surrounding the conversion of offices into housing have spurred substantial city and federal incentives. However, not all offices are viable for such adaptations. According to a comprehensive Gensler study analyzing over 1000 buildings in over 123 cities in the US, only 25% of these structures are adaptable to residential. While older office buildings, usually smaller and with lower ceilings, have seen successful transformations, newer constructions with larger floor plates pose more significant obstacles due to considerations like lighting and HVAC systems.
