Adaptive Reuse in the City of Atlanta

Argument: Adaptive reuse is a viable solution to the issues of urban sprawl and development Atlanta is currently facing.

Reuse vs. abandonment, reconstruction, and renovation.

The issues: urban sprawl, lack of sustainable development

What are the benefits of adaptive reuse?

• The structure already exists so it eliminates construction fees
• Historic buildings can be preserved and integrated into the current cityscape
• Reduction of urban sprawl

What are the drawbacks?

• Lack of efficiency and function because the building is already old
• Unexpected faults

What is Adaptive Reuse? 

In basic terms, adaptive reuse is the redevelopment of an old building for a purpose other than the originally intended use. Developers are increasingly considering adaptive reuse to deliver projects with authenticity and a more attractive cost basis (Atlanta Business Chronicle).

Older buildings represent an important aesthetic, cultural and economic resource—as well as a non-renewable one. Yet dozens, and perhaps hundreds, of historic buildings have been demolished over the past decades largely because owners, bankers and developers have argued that the costs of renovating and adapting these buildings for new uses is too high. Demolition of the existing buildings and replacement with new structures, the story goes, is the only way for investors to make a reasonable profit from the use of the land. Some even go as far as asserting that new-build is always more economical, renovation universally more expensive. At the same time reputable developers, architects and investors seem to be able to complete exciting and profitable projects which feature innovative building renovation. Many older buildings are not only suitable for new uses but often become key sites in renewal schemes. Some developers argue that reusing older buildings always represents a financial advantage. (“Does Adaptive Reuse Pay?”) Whatever the case, reputable design firms like Perkins and Will have been reinventing existing buildings for new uses. In fact, their Atlanta office, re-purposed as a “living laboratory and educational tool for sustainable design,” was adapted from an old office structure.   (Perkins and Will website).

Beyond cost savings, the neighborhoods surrounding adaptive reuse projects typically feature a unique character and authenticity. They are often close to public attractions, and most importantly, they provide end users with distinctive urban cultural and social experiences. As more people regain a taste for urban living and move from suburbs back into redeveloped cities, many are attracted to buildings that maintain historical elements and character, features that cannot be built from the ground up. Due to the uniqueness of these places, they often command above market rents. (Atlanta Business Chronicle)

Examples:

• The Louvre
• Tate Modern
• Gasometer City

Atlanta Examples:

• Ponce City Market
• Olympia Building
• Flat Iron Building
• Pencil Factory
• Healey Building

Source List:

https://perkinswill.com/service/adaptive-reuse
http://business.blog.myajc.com/2016/03/01/is-downtown-atlanta-going-adaptive-reuse/
http://perkinswill.com/sites/default/files/ID_4_PWRJ_0801_03_Sustainable_and_Energy_Efficient_Commercial_Retrofit.pdf
http://www.seedengr.com/Does%20Adaptive%20Reuse%20Pay.pdf