Underused office buildings everywhere are on the verge of default.

About 60% of office inventory today is categorized as Class B, and much of this inventory is being left stranded as tenants seek out modern fully-amenitized Class A buildings. As demand for office space continues to lag, owners of these older assets are faced with difficult choices. What if they could be rescued and turned into valuable in-demand housing?
Conversions+ by Gensler helps developers determine if buildings are viable for residential conversion.
The tool examines site context, building form, floor plate, building envelope, and servicing to create quick, actionable conclusions about the viability of a building for conversion.
10%
Site Context
30%
Building Form
30%
Floor Plate
10%
Envelope
20%
Servicing
  • Scoring takes a matter of days.
  • We’ve analyzed more than 1,300 buildings in 130 cities.
  • 30% of buildings will be suitable for conversion.
  • The construction period for conversions is 50% less than equivalent ground-up buildings.
 
Our 3-step building conversion process is designed to be quick, efficient, and cost-effective.
STEP
1
Building Analysis
Conversion+ by Gensler unlocks new potential for stranded assets of all types.
STEP
2
Yield Studies
Buildings with a high algorithm score are developed further to provide sufficient information for a business case.
STEP
3
Development
The best opportunities are taken into full development to create incredible new housing.
FAQs
What if my building is a candidate for conversion?

If you believe your building has the potential for conversion, Conversions+ by Gensler is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment. Our office-to-residential services encompass evaluating various factors, including site context, building form, floor plate, building envelope, and servicing. Contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process of determining if your building is a suitable candidate for transformation into a successful project.

I am looking to purchase buildings for conversion, can Gensler help me find candidates?

Yes, Gensler can work with your team to identify key criteria related to target markets and properties and then, using that criteria identify properties in markets worth considering.

Are there government programs in place to help with funding?

While funding mechanisms can vary, there are government programs and incentives available to support office-to-residential conversions. We can provide information on relevant programs and guide you through the process of accessing funding opportunities that align with your project. Contact us for more details tailored to your specific location and project.

My building has a positive score and I have funding. What are the next steps?

Congratulations on achieving a positive score! The next steps involve detailed planning and execution. Our team will work closely with you to develop a customized strategy. We'll cover aspects like design, regulatory compliance, and project management. Reach out to discuss the specifics of your project to get started.

How might the conversion affect the local community?

Office-to-residential conversions can have positive impacts on the local community. By revitalizing underused buildings, we contribute to creating vibrant neighborhoods. For example, the addition of residential spaces can enhance the area’s livability, attracting new residents and businesses. We prioritize community engagement throughout the process to ensure that the conversion aligns with local needs and aspirations.

I am considering the conversion of a very large asset, but I’m worried the market can’t absorb the ultimate number of residential units.

Often large buildings can be considered for partial or sequential conversion subject to a number of factors such as elevatoring, MEP systems and façade type. Reach out to discuss the specifics and options for your building.

How long does the conversion process typically take?

The duration of the conversion process can vary based on factors such as the size and complexity of the project, but is normally much shorter than the construction of an equivalently sized ground-up building. After an initial assessment, we’ll provide you with a detailed timeline tailored to your specific project requirements. Our goal is to streamline the process efficiently without compromising on the quality of the building transformation.

What are the potential costs associated with the conversion?

The costs associated with office-to-residential conversions depend on various factors, including the current state of the building and the desired level of transformation. Contact us for a personalized cost estimate and insights into optimizing your budget for a successful conversion.

Is sustainability considered as part of the assessment process?

Yes, environmental assessments are a crucial part of our conversion process. We prioritize sustainable design and environmentally conscious practices. Our team conducts thorough assessments to ensure that the conversion aligns with or exceeds environmental regulations and contributes positively to the surrounding ecosystem. Contact us for detailed information on our environmental considerations and practices during the conversion process.

CASE STUDIES
LEADERSHIP
 
RESOURCES
Interested in office-to-residential conversion?