Adaptive Reuse Isn’t Plug-and-Play

Why Converting Office Space Into Residential Isn’t as Easy as It Sounds

In commercial real estate circles, converting vacant office space into residential units often sounds like a silver-bullet solution to downtown vacancies. On the surface, it’s logical: empty offices + strong housing demand = a win for cities, developers, and communities.

But in practice, the process is rarely straightforward. Structural constraints, building codes, cost hurdles, and market dynamics all play a role in determining whether repurposing an office building is feasible — much less profitable. Meanwhile, certain other existing space types can adapt more easily to new commercial or creative uses.

Here’s why true office-to-residential conversion is complex, and what types of properties are good candidates for creative reuse and redevelopment.

The Real Challenges of Office-to-Residential Conversions - Physical Design Doesn’t Always Translate to Liveability

Most traditional office buildings are designed around large open floorplates, deep interior spaces, and centralized mechanical and elevator cores. Residential units, on the other hand, need:

• Multiple plumbing stacks for kitchens and bathrooms

• Natural light and egress for each living space

• Individual HVAC systems for comfort and utility billing

• Retrofitting an office floor with this infrastructure is expensive and technically complicated — especially in older buildings not designed with residential layouts in mind.

What Uses Are Better Candidates for Adaptive Reuse?

While converting office space to residential is challenging, other kinds of buildings and spaces can lend themselves more naturally to new commercial, creative, or mixed-use purposes.

Industrial & Warehouse to Office or Creative Space

Buildings originally built for industrial or warehouse use — with high ceilings, large open floorplans, loading docks, and flexible layouts — often adapt exceptionally well to:

• Creative studios and maker spaces

• Loft offices

• Showrooms

• Retail / flex spaces

These building types already embody characteristics that modern businesses and creatives value: volume, light, flexibility, and accessibility.

That’s why many of Atlanta’s most vibrant adaptive reuse success stories come from industrial heritage — and why properties like 1735 Defoor Place are exciting opportunities in today’s market.

Spotlight: 1735 Defoor Place — Creative Flex, Office & Showroom Space for Lease

Located in Atlanta’s Underwood Hills / Upper Westside market, 1735 Defoor Place is a multi-tenant property offering flexible creative, office, and showroom spaces in a strong, evolving commercial corridor.

Why It Works for Creative & Commercial Uses

Unlike a conventional office building, 1735 Defoor Place has features that make it naturally adaptable to a variety of tenants:

• Open floorplans ideal for creative office, showroom, or studio uses

• Street frontage and visibility on Defoor Place — great for signage and walk-in traffic

• Potential to combine space for larger footprint needs

• Flexible units ranging from mid-sized suites to larger footprints

• Excellent access to West Midtown activity and amenities

• Competitive lease rates for the submarket

Whether you’re a design firm seeking collaborative office space, a creative entrepreneur needing showroom or flex space, or a service oriented tenant looking for a visible presence, this type of property delivers versatility without the major conversion costs associated with office-to-residential projects.

Properties like 1735 Defoor Place exemplify what’s possible when you match market demand with property potential — tapping into the demand for creative flex space, design-forward offices, and experiential showrooms without the structural and regulatory burdens that come with full residential conversions.

👉 Learn more about available space at 1735 Defoor Place at

www.habifproperties.com/1735-1745-defoor-place-1735