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Writer's picturebob waun

"From Cubicles to Condos: How Vacant Office Buildings Are Becoming the Coolest New Apartments"


In the wake of remote work revolutionizing the business landscape, cities across the U.S. are waking up to an innovative, forward-thinking solution: turning empty office buildings into stylish residential homes. What were once endless rows of cubicles and conference rooms are now becoming sleek loft apartments, boutique condos, and even affordable housing options. The transformation from cubicles to condos isn't just a clever fix to the housing shortage—it’s a trend that’s breathing new life into our cities.


As remote and hybrid work models take hold, more companies are shrinking their office space, leaving behind large vacant buildings in prime urban areas. Enter the idea of adaptive reuse—converting these unused offices into residential properties. The benefits are huge, but the real fun is in seeing just how far these conversions can go in reimagining what a building can be.


"Turning these empty office towers into vibrant residential spaces is like giving cities a second chance,” says Bob Waun, co-founder of DIRT Realty. “We’re seeing exciting projects that don’t just fill housing needs, but transform entire neighborhoods. And we’ve been lucky to work on several of these conversions—we’re seeing the future of real estate take shape in real-time."


The Perfect Marriage of Supply and Demand

When the pandemic hit, millions of square feet of office space emptied out as people shifted to working from home. At the same time, housing shortages were becoming a critical issue in many urban areas, with rising demand for affordable apartments in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It turns out, those vacant office spaces are just what the real estate doctor ordered.


Converting office buildings into residential properties offers a solution to two problems at once: excess office supply and housing demand. And it can be done much faster than new construction, with fewer resources required to create something entirely new. Plus, it’s not just practical—it’s eco-friendly. Adaptive reuse minimizes demolition waste and carbon emissions compared to building from scratch.


“In many cities, the answer to the housing crisis is right in front of us: empty office space that can be repurposed,” Waun explains. “You’re not just building homes; you’re helping cities get back on their feet.”


Success Stories: From Boardrooms to Bedrooms

Across the U.S., cities are turning empty corporate floors into trendy, desirable residences that are attracting new residents and breathing life back into business districts.


1. The Art Deco Makeover in New York City


New York City, the epicenter of both towering office buildings and a major housing crunch, has embraced this transformation. Take 20 Broad Street in the Financial District, for example. Once home to offices, this 1957 Art Deco building has been converted into 533 residential apartments. Located just steps from Wall Street, the building’s new residents enjoy views of the Stock Exchange—and a lot more space than the typical New York apartment. With high ceilings, large windows, and all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury high-rise, 20 Broad is proof that empty offices can be turned into desirable living spaces.


Another standout project is 1 Wall Street, where a former office building has been transformed into luxury condos that boast unbeatable views and top-notch amenities. The conversion of 1 Wall Street represents a $1.5 billion investment and is helping redefine Lower Manhattan’s skyline. Check out more about this conversion on NY Curbed.


2. Downtown LA Goes Residential


Los Angeles is another hotbed of office-to-residential conversions, particularly in its Downtown area. A shining example is The Trust Building on Spring Street, a former Art Deco office building from 1928 that has been turned into high-end residential units. With its breathtaking architecture and an influx of new residents, the transformation is helping to reinvigorate the heart of LA’s business district. The city has been a leader in adaptive reuse programs, with numerous success stories where empty offices now house a mix of lofts, condos, and affordable apartments. Learn more about LA’s adaptive reuse projects at LA Planning Department.


Another success story is The Broadway Trade Center, which is being redeveloped into a mixed-use complex with residential, retail, and entertainment spaces. This massive project will convert over 1 million square feet of vacant office space into a dynamic new hub for living and commerce.


3. Chicago’s LaSalle Street Comeback


In Chicago, office-to-residential conversion is breathing new life into downtown. The LaSalle Street Corridor has been the focus of a series of conversions, turning vacant office towers into high-demand apartments. One notable project is The LaSalle-Wacker Building, a 41-story Art Deco gem that has been transformed into residential housing, offering luxury living with a slice of Chicago’s architectural history. Chicago’s ongoing efforts are helping to rejuvenate its downtown area, making it an attractive place to live and work. Read more about the LaSalle Corridor project on Chicago.gov.


Challenges: Not Every Office Is Ready to Become a Loft

While converting vacant office space into residential housing sounds like the perfect solution, it’s not without its challenges:


Zoning and Regulations: Many office buildings are located in areas zoned for commercial use, and changing that zoning requires navigating through red tape. This can be time-consuming, though cities are starting to streamline the process as they recognize the need for more housing.

Building Infrastructure: Office buildings have infrastructure designed for businesses—think large, open floors, limited plumbing, and HVAC systems designed for large groups. Retrofits for residential use often require extensive remodeling to create individual units, bathrooms, and kitchens.

Windows and Natural Light: Many older office buildings were designed with deep floor plans and few windows, which can pose a challenge when converting them into livable spaces. Developers need to get creative with floor plans to ensure units have access to natural light—a crucial feature for modern apartments.

Financial Feasibility: While converting office space is often cheaper than new construction, it still requires significant investment. Developers need to ensure the demand for housing will justify the cost of the conversion and that they can achieve an appropriate return on investment.

“Every conversion project comes with its own unique challenges, from zoning changes to structural retrofitting,” says Waun. “But the potential rewards—both for cities and investors—make it well worth the effort.”


A Bright Future for Adaptive Reuse

As the success stories pile up, more cities are taking notice of the potential in adaptive reuse. With thousands of square feet of office space going unused and urban populations continuing to grow, converting vacant buildings into homes represents a smart, sustainable way to meet the housing demand while revitalizing once-vibrant business districts.


DIRT Realty has been involved in several of these office-to-residential conversions, and Waun is optimistic about the future. "We're seeing these projects pop up in cities across the country, and they're not only addressing housing shortages but also bringing new energy to areas that were once at risk of stagnation."


It’s clear that the era of “cubicles to condos” is just beginning—and it might just be the coolest thing to happen to real estate in years.


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