Architect says adaptive reuse can unlock hidden value in existing buildings

International architect Taras Legar argues that investors are overlooking value in buildings they already own as commercial construction costs hit record highs. A new Realty Times column says adaptive reuse can triple usable area without expanding a building’s footprint and lays out a checklist for evaluating redevelopment potential.

Why it matters: - Adaptive reuse can turn underused buildings into more valuable assets without requiring new land or a bigger footprint. - The approach may be especially relevant as commercial construction costs remain high and quality sites are harder to find. - Legar argues that structural features such as ceiling height, load capacity and foundation depth can reveal value that current pricing overlooks.

What happened: - Taras Legar, an international architect and interior designer, published a new expert column in Realty Times on adaptive reuse. - The column is titled “Adaptive Reuse: How Changing a Building’s Function Unlocks Hidden Real Estate Value.” - Legar has more than 25 years of international experience across Europe and the United States.

The details: - The column presents three case studies from Legar’s practice. - A 269,000-square-foot indoor aquapark was built on the third floor of a major retail complex, converting the property’s least productive area into a major foot-traffic driver. - A 9,150-square-foot industrial warehouse was transformed into a 32,300-plus-square-foot corporate headquarters for a major technology company, more than tripling usable area without expanding the original footprint. - A Florida warehouse measuring 6,330 square feet is being converted into a premium automotive showroom. - That Florida project increased usable area by 23% through vertical zoning, enabled by a 24-foot ceiling height. - The column includes a practical checklist for investors and developers. - The checklist covers how to assess structural potential, what regulatory changes a new use can trigger and where unplanned costs often appear. - Read the full column. - More information about Taras Legar and Leg-Art studio.

Between the lines: - Legar’s argument is that many redevelopment decisions start with the current use of a building instead of its underlying physical capacity. - That means a property can be undervalued if buyers do not test whether its structure supports a higher-value function. - The examples suggest adaptive reuse can create value by rethinking vertical space, circulation and program mix rather than adding square footage.

What's next: - Investors and developers considering adaptive reuse are being urged to examine structural surveys and regulatory requirements earlier in the process. - Early review could reduce surprise costs and improve the financial case for redevelopment. - Legar is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and remains active in both U.S. and European markets.