REVITALIZING, REBUILDING & REPURPOSING

THE BENEFITS AND TECHNIQUES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

K.C. Conway, Real Estate Economist and Futurist and principal of Red Shoe Economics, is the chief economist of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ affiliate Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Institute — the premier provider of commercial real estate education.

“Cities need to consider adaptive reuse on a neighborhood level,” he said. 

“Too often, we look at one building. In the Miami area, Wynwood was an entire neighborhood of warehouse and light industrial and now it is a vibrant 24-hour district.

Doral, Fla., was warehouses and golf courses, then the entire city was rezoned for housing, retail, and office — and it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.”

REVITALIZING, REBUILDING & REPURPOSING

THE BENEFITS AND TECHNIQUES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

There are hurdles that come with adaptive reuse.

Even though virtually every mayor and city council member preach the virtues of adaptive reuse, many zoning codes have onerous parking requirements and rules that inhibit intense urban-infill redevelopment.

Environmental remediation can spiral beyond even the best estimate. 

And lenders are often both confused by, and reluctant to lend to, unique revitalization developments that lack comparables.

Digital nomads, ridesharing and other factors have left a lot of office space vacant or underutilized and towering parking decks half empty during the workweek. 

The pandemic sped up work from home, or only a few days per week in the office trends.

Many think the shortage of available for sale and rental housing units crisis could be at least partially addressed by conversion of commercial space to residential.

REVITALIZING, REBUILDING & REPURPOSING

THE BENEFITS AND TECHNIQUES TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

There are so many good reasons to step away from America’s mentality of tearing down perfectly good buildings.

Adaptive reuse gives new life and purpose to existing structures that are vacant, underutilized or nearing the end of their original-built purpose.

A lot of times, a historic structure can be saved while new, hip, quirky residential, hotel, office and retail spaces are crafted out of high ceilings, big windows and industrial-chic spaces; or sometimes a blah building without much curb appeal can be put back on the tax roll.

Because existing older buildings have long been part of the urban fabric, the redevelopment of one or a cluster of a few, helps anchor the redevelopment of an entire corridor, district or neighborhood. 

Once new residences or a mix of uses are reintroduced into the core, others follow.

A MEANINGFUL NEW ENDEAVOR FOR A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

PROUD TO BE OF COUNSEL TO AWARD-WINNING IDENTITY PR

Mark Winter has been a friend for a quarter century.

I met him when I covered growth, development and urban affairs for the Columbus Dispatch.

Mark, then the small startup -- Identity PR -- boldly won the public relations contract for the acclaimed Nationwide Arena District in the heart of Columbus, Ohio.

Fast forward and Identity has more than 30 employees, a nationwide practice that has won numerous awards and a presence in Miami.

Mark Winter, President and Founding Partner, Identity PR

My roots in Miami go back a quarter century.

I have teamed with Mark Winter of Identity PR to provide full services to businesses involved in real estate/development, design, finance and related fields.

I’m Identity’s man in Miami.

But it’s much more than that. I will be working with nonprofits making the world a better place.

I will be providing content and expertise in Universal Design, Aging in Place and design that makes life easier and more inclusive for all.

Steve Wright -- after a pre-dawn run -- Miami Beach

My of counsel role means I still will be working as a planner, educator, writer and activist within the planning, architecture, design and disability communities.

It also will allow me to continue to carve out time for my growing career as a widely exhibited, acclaimed photographer/visual artist.

Take a moment this week to visit: www.identitypr.com

Then reach out to me and we can set up a Zoom to see how we can help your business leave a mark.

 

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"I highly recommend Steve Wright for any future projects or initiatives that involve Universal Design or the promotion of accessibility. 

His expertise and commitment to inclusivity will undoubtedly continue to make a positive impact on the communities he serves." 

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

 

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"Steve Wright's ability to communicate concepts in an accessible manner was evident, and his passion for Universal Design shone through in every aspect of his presentation. 

Steve's contributions have made a lasting impact on our organization, and we are immensely grateful for his dedication and expertise. 

His commitment to promoting inclusivity and accessibility aligns perfectly with our mission to create a Downtown Detroit that is welcoming to everyone."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.

ENERGIZED BY THIS ENDORSEMENT OF MY UNIVERSAL DESIGN SKILLS

AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER AND PLANNING CONSULTANT

"While in town, Steve Wright delivered an engaging and informative visual presentation during to DDP leadership and team. 

His presentation, which lasted approximately one hour, allowed ample time for questions and answers, fostering a productive and insightful dialogue."

--Eric Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership, 2023

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. 

Having observed its centennial in 2022, the DDP is one of the oldest and most successful downtown organizations in the nation.