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What Is Adaptive Reuse Construction?

Mar 11, 2022

Although adaptive reuse isn’t new in commercial construction and renovation, its popularity has risen exponentially in the past months. The use of and need for commercial and office spaces has shifted, and property owners are looking for ways to draw back in tenants. Historical buildings have also been sitting unused for months, leading to disrepair. Adaptive reuse can bring these buildings up to code while also breathing new life into the areas around them.


Essentially, adaptive reuse is exactly what it sounds like. Older, historic buildings are renovated and used for a new purpose. An example of this would be transforming old warehouses into multifamily residential properties. The right commercial contractor can renovate virtually any property to better fit the (future or current) tenants’ needs. 


Compared to the demolition of old buildings and subsequent new construction, this process yields plenty of benefits. For communities with a large number of historical sites, adaptive reuse can preserve these properties and the area’s cultural heritage. Reuse can also slow urban sprawl and establish new cultural touchpoints.

For property owners, adaptive reuse offers much lower construction costs than building from the ground up. The process takes more labor to complete, but construction and demolition costs are reduced. It also takes less time overall to finish these projects, contributing to cost-savings. 


Another major selling point of adaptive reuse is sustainability. Demolition of old buildings, especially those with environmental hazards like asbestos or dangerous mold, creates excessive waste and carbon emissions. Combined with green building materials and LEED certification guidelines, adaptive reuse can drastically decrease the environmental impact.


Here's a basic rundown of how the process works for developers or property owners who are embarking on their first adaptive reuse project.



  1. Not all buildings are good candidates for adaptive reuse, so it’s essential to have a team of professionals perform a thorough assessment of the building’s structural integrity. This is a wise investment, and knowing the complete condition of the building will guide the project.
  2. In that same vein, not all neighborhoods are the right community to host an adaptive reuse building. Survey the surrounding areas, get feedback from residents and businesses already there, and be sure to ask how they feel about the upcoming project.
  3. Commercial construction contractors with experience in adaptive reuse to help determine a budget, determine which building materials are suitable for the project, handle permits, follow historical restoration best practices, and manage subcontractors being used for skilled or niche labor. 
  4. Once a contractor is in place, the planning stages can begin. Consider all of the building materials taken from the original structure and how you can reuse them in the new building plan. Determine how the historical features can be preserved and even highlighted.


After those critical first steps, construction can begin. It’s crucial to have a commercial contractor manage the work for the project to stay on track and budget. There’s also an additional safety risk for the team if they’re working in poor-quality buildings or ones with structural hazards.


For developers and building owners who have decided that newer isn’t better, adaptive reuse can be a sustainable, cost-efficient way to create a fresh, new space for a changing community. The key to making these projects successful is working with a team of commercial contractors with decades of experience.

Perhaps you are trying to give an older commercial building new life, or maybe you want to modernize a historical building to preserve it and bring it up to code. Whatever your commercial renovation goals, our professionals are here to help. We will ensure you achieve a beautiful result that brings you pride.


While not all construction companies are willing to tackle commercial renovations, we are happy to take on the challenge. We walk you through the process, answer your questions, and make professional recommendations. 


Our comprehensive renovation services cover every detail, including:



  • Permits
  • Building plans
  • Foundation and framing
  • Construction material
  • HVAC, plumbing, and electricity
  • Sprinkler systems
  • Roofing
  • Exterior and interior repair and painting


At Wright Building Systems, we offer interior and exterior renovation services to bring your commercial building to life. You’ll be amazed how our team can take your building from old and outdated to fresh and functional. Contact us today to get started!

Why Hiring Professionals for Office Renovations Is Essential for Success

08 May, 2024
Maintaining an efficient and appealing workspace is crucial for productivity, employee morale, and overall success in the fast-paced business world. As a business owner, you may want to take on office renovations as a do-it-yourself (DIY) project to save costs and exercise creative control. However, while the prospect of DIY renovations may seem appealing, there are several compelling reasons why hiring professionals is the wiser choice. Expertise and Experience Professional contractors specializing in office renovations bring years of expertise and experience. They understand the intricacies of commercial construction, local building codes, and industry best practices. With their knowledge, they can efficiently navigate the renovation process, anticipate potential challenges, and deliver high-quality results that meet your specifications. Time Savings DIY office renovations often take much longer to complete than initially anticipated. Without the necessary skills and resources, you may spend countless hours researching, planning, and executing tasks. In contrast, professional contractors have streamlined processes and access to a network of suppliers and subcontractors, allowing them to complete renovations promptly and minimize disruptions to your business operations.

Tips for Office Renovations

10 Apr, 2024
How long has it been since you refreshed your office space? Choosing to rebuild entirely or renovate what you already have is a critical decision, and while rebuilding can yield excellent results, renovations may be more cost-effective and timely. We've helped business owners across the St. Louis region renovate their spaces and improve productivity. Let's discuss some tips that will help propel your office renovations and give your team the space they deserve. Assessing Your Needs and Setting Goals Before diving into the renovation process, it is essential to step back and evaluate your current workspace. Identify pain points, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Are there bottlenecks in workflow? Is the layout conducive to collaboration and productivity? By pinpointing these issues, you can establish clear renovation objectives and desired outcomes. Business owners should consider budget constraints and timelines to ensure the team has realistic expectations from the outset. Envisioning Your Ideal Workspace With goals in mind, it's time to unleash your creativity and envision the future of your workspace. Draw inspiration from various sources such as design magazines, websites, and competitor spaces. Engage with your employees to understand their preferences and needs. What elements would enhance their work experience? Creating a mood board or vision board can crystallize your ideas and visualize the desired aesthetic and functionality. Finding the Right Contractor Choosing the right contractor is a pivotal step in the renovation process—research and vet potential candidates with experience in commercial office renovations. Ask for referrals and view past projects to assess quality and reliability. Obtain multiple quotes and compare services, timelines, and pricing to make an informed decision. Remember, communication is key—select a contractor who listens to your vision and collaborates effectively. Collaborating with Your Contractor Once you've chosen a contractor, establish open lines of communication and set clear expectations. Communicate your vision, goals, and budget constraints. Collaborate on establishing a timeline and project milestones to track progress effectively. Throughout the renovation, maintain regular communication to promptly address any concerns or changes. A collaborative partnership between you and your contractor is essential for a successful outcome.

Commercial Roofing Project Tips

07 Mar, 2024
While unseen to the average patron, a commercial building's roof is a critical and complex infrastructure that must be tended to regularly. Precision, planning, and attention to detail are paramount for city commercial roofing projects. Whether you're working on a contemporary skyscraper or a historic landmark, the challenges and requirements can vary significantly. This blog explores some valuable tips to ensure the success of your next commercial roofing project. Thorough Assessment and Planning Before embarking on any roofing project, a comprehensive assessment of the roof's current condition is crucial. Identify structural issues, drainage problems, and insulation needs to form the foundation of your project plan. A detailed plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, budget, and required resources is essential for streamlining operations and minimizing disruptions. Choose the Right Materials Selecting the appropriate roofing materials is a critical decision that directly impacts the durability and longevity of the structure. Consider weather conditions, building design, and energy efficiency when selecting materials. In metropolitan areas, where pollution and urban environmental factors can pose additional challenges, opting for materials with enhanced resistance can prolong the roof's lifespan. Compliance with Building Codes and Regulations Navigating the maze of building codes, zoning regulations, and safety standards is non-negotiable for any commercial roofing project. Ensure your team obtains all necessary permits and approvals before commencing work to avoid delays and legal complications. Compliance safeguards your project and enhances your reputation as a responsible contractor.
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