Adaptive Re-Use
When it comes to construction projects, finding the right location can sometimes be difficult. However, if you find an old building, you may find that all you need to do is some renovations in order to turn it into what you are envisioning (called adaptive re-use). That holds true to an architectural project in which we recently assisted.
With the project, we assisted in renovating an old church into beautiful apartments. The Fleetwood Apartments was a complete renovation of the existing church into new luxury apartments. All of the high-end luxury apartments include a full kitchen and laundry in each unit which range from 1,000 s.f. to 1,500 s.f. with 1 and 2-bedroom layouts. All units have a full kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. One unit features 16’ high cathedral ceilings and another unit is 2-story with a balcony overlooking the living/kitchen space.
This recent project is not the first time we have assisted in adaptive re-use conversions. Renovating existing buildings is a great option if you’re looking to utilize a building that is in good shape and just needs some renovations. We wanted to share a few things you want to look for when deciding if the building is right for what you’re thinking.
Know Your Project
Before you just start looking at buildings, and if you can renovate it, know what you intend to have it renovated into. You will want to determine how much square footage you need for your project, and how many rooms you will need or need to transition the space into. In the event of a church converting into apartments, you want to decide how many rooms to each apartment you will need.
Know Your Location
Now that you know what you’re looking for, determine the best location for your project. Again, in the event of a church converting into apartments, it’s important to know if there is a need for apartments in the area. Do some legwork and research to make sure your project will fit in the community. You will also need to evaluate local zoning regulations to be sure the municipality will allow the new/ being proposed.
Find the Right Team
For renovating an existing building into something new, you will need a team behind you. For starters, you will want an experienced real estate agent to assist with the sale. You will also want an architectural design company, such as ourselves, and a construction company as well.
Once you have everything ready, start your searching! If you’re looking for an architectural firm in the Reading, Berks County, Lehigh County, Allentown, PA or the surrounding areas to assist you with your next renovation project, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here, ready to help with your next project!