Maximizing the Value of Underutilized Spaces
All existing buildings have the potential for adaptive re-use, and Forell Elsesser can help you find the opportunity for your building. A balanced approach to office-to-residential conversions involves combining renovation and new construction elements to achieve the best environmentally sustainable outcomes that meet the cost target. Our team of engineers utilize advanced structural analysis techniques to understand how the building can be used to its full potential.
How have commercial offices changed?
With expiring office leases and high interest rates, building owners and developers are looking for creative solutions to promote greater building occupancy . Commercial office vacancies have reached a 30 year high at around 18% nationally. San Francisco, which has been even more adversely affected by hybrid work patterns compared to other cities, has a vacancy rate over 35%. Commercial office-to-residential conversions are one way owners can increase the long term value of assets impacted by the reduced occupancy of post-pandemic office spaces.
Sustainable Design Strategies for Office Conversions.
By studying life cycle analyses on many of our past and current projects, we have confirmed that retrofitting and renovating buildings is more environmentally friendly than demolishing and constructing a new building, greatly reducing the carbon footprint. By upgrading buildings as part of an adaptive re-use project, we can ensure the carbon used in the construction of the original building will continue to be of service for many more decades.
Discover How We Can Assist You
As structural engineers we play a crucial role in the potential transformation of office spaces into residential units. Based on our portfolio of many structural and seismic evaluations, retrofits and renovations, we can make a quick assessment of the feasibility of the potential for office-to-residential conversion.
1.
Building Assessments
In order to quickly assess the feasibility of a building for reuse, a quick assessment of the building can readily determine any opportunities or challenges at an early stage.
2.
Design Concepts
Following the initial assessment, Design Concepts are developed that tie together the building specific opportunities for renovation that meet the building owner goals.
3.
Feasibility Evaluations
Feasibility evaluation is a critical feedback step to determine if the opportunities outweigh the challenges for a particular site.
4.
Final Designs & Utilizing Performance Based Design
Once the feasibility evaluation is complete, then the final design can be implemented based on the established target goals. Our Performance Based Design and structural analysis capabilities are keys to unlocking the buildings potential.
5.
Permit Strategies
Permit approval drives the project forward as the team takes advantage of up to date code changes and changes to permitting approvals.
Augmenting existing buildings can be key to maximizing return on property investment. Expanding existing spaces or creating new paths for egress, ventilation, or light improves the conversion potential.
An assessment of the existing load-bearing capacity of the floors allows for optimum residential layout and occupancy. This may involve reinforcing or upgrading the floor structure to meet the additional demands imposed by residential use.
An early assessment of the existing structural integrity of the office building is needed to determine its capacity and feasibility for residential use including structural load capacities, manipulation of the structure to accommodate elevators, plumbing and other new systems, and seismic safety and code compliance.
550+
Projects Completed in San Francisco.
We have over 550 projects completed in SF. Our experience working on projects in San Francisco includes new construction, renovations, retrofits, evaluations, building assessments and peer reviews.
350+
Building Evaluations in San Francisco.
We have evaluated over 350+ buildings in San Francisco. These evaluations involve a thorough assessment of a building’s structural integrity, safety, and compliance with building codes.
100+
Renovation and Seismic Retrofit Projects Completed in San Francisco.
We have over 100 renovation, retrofit and TI projects in SF. We have worked with many property owners to implement necessary measures to enhance their buildings’ resilience to seismic events and ensure the safety of occupants.
25+
Adaptive Reuse and Conversion Projects Completed in San Francisco.
We have extensive experience with the repurposing existing buildings of all types and vintages. We know where the smallest investment can make the biggest impact. Our team is flexible and can adapt to the changing needs of each project.