Transcription Data

The discussion focused on the need for adaptive reuse of existing buildings to meet current market demands and sustainability goals. The session featured insights from three speakers: Brad Ashley, Ashley Rogo, and Ted Thurn. Here's a detailed summary of the content covered:

1. Introduction and Panelists' Backgrounds

• Brad Ashley: Managing director of property and facilities management for Newmark Zimmer, overseeing a wide range of property types in the Kansas City area.
• Ashley Rogo: Technical designer and associate at Gensler Chicago, specializing in building transformation and adaptive reuse with a focus on sustainability.
• Ted Thurn: Senior Director of Government Affairs at IRON, experienced in legislative advocacy and guiding policy strategies related to real estate and property management.

2. Definition and Examples of Adaptive Reuse

• Ashley Rogo defined adaptive reuse as the process of repurposing existing buildings for new uses that are more aligned with current market demands.
• She provided examples like the Old Post Office in Chicago, transformed into a mixed-use office building, and the Book Depository in Detroit, repurposed as an innovation center.
• The emphasis was on transforming iconic buildings into valuable assets that meet modern needs without demolishing the structures.

3. Trends in Adaptive Reuse Projects

• Brad Ashley discussed the growing trend of converting underutilized office buildings, especially those struggling post-COVID, into residential units such as condos or apartments.
• He highlighted a successful example in Kansas City where an old building, Mark Twain Tower, was converted into a Class A residential property, revitalizing the downtown area.

4. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

• Adaptive reuse was identified as a powerful tool for achieving sustainability goals, as it significantly reduces embodied carbon compared to new constructions.
• Ashley Rogo noted that even highly efficient new buildings take decades to offset the carbon impact of their construction, making the reuse of existing structures a more environmentally sound option.
• She stressed that using existing buildings can lead to carbon savings of up to 70%, highlighting the sustainability benefits of this approach.

5. Out-of-the-Box Adaptive Reuse Ideas

• The speakers shared innovative examples of adaptive reuse, including turning buildings into vertical gardens, retail spaces, or data centers, depending on structural suitability.
• The panel discussed the trend of repurposing older buildings into specialized uses like dispensaries or grow operations, driven by the need for robust structural frameworks and high power requirements.