DenverUrbanism Some of Them Want to Reuse You - #28
Mar 9, 2026
A lively chat about giving existing buildings new life through adaptive reuse. They explore which structures are best suited for conversion and how neighborhood character shapes outcomes. Listeners hear local Denver examples and current office-to-housing projects. The conversation also covers climate benefits, practical barriers like pollution and codes, and policy tools to make reuse happen.
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Adaptive Reuse Defined And Why It Matters
- Adaptive reuse means changing a building from one broad land-use category to another, not just renovating the same use.
- Andy explains it’s more than fixer-upper work: examples include warehouses becoming breweries or churches becoming condos.
Warehouse Chic Born From Reuse In LoDo
- Denver neighborhoods like LoDo keep character because many warehouses were left standing and repurposed.
- Andy points to breweries and warehouse-chic as outcomes of cheaper reuse rather than full rebuilds.
Adaptive Reuse As A Response To Urban Renewal
- Modern adaptive reuse grew as a reaction to destructive urban renewal and historic-preservation fights.
- James and Andy link Jane Jacobs and preservation advocates to keeping varied-aged buildings that enable new small businesses.