What to Know About Repurposing Old Buildings
07/19/2024
As cities expand, old buildings are often left behind. Rather than demolishing these structures, many builders are now choosing to repurpose these historical buildings.
Preserving History
Gordon Olschlager, a Minneapolis architect and former member of the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission and the American Institute of Architects Historic Preservation Committee, stated in an interview with Kelcey McClung from Authentic:
“Preserving historic buildings is important because they are part of our collective cultural patrimony. Just as we recognize the value of art and artists, historic buildings embody a vast array of crafts and artistic skills no longer utilized in modern construction.”
Repurposing buildings is a fantastic way to maintain the culture of an area. These structures bridge old and new, with exteriors reflecting the area’s history while interiors are adapted for modern use.
Sustainability
Preserving old buildings is often more sustainable than demolishing them and starting anew. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states that an energy-efficient new building takes about 65 years to offset the energy lost in demolishing an existing one. Reusing an existing structure also reduces the amount of construction material that ends up in landfills, making it a more sustainable option than new construction.
Challenges of Adaptive Reuse
Adaptive reuse comes with its own set of challenges. Careful planning is required to work around an existing frame instead of the predictability of new materials in new projects. Some materials in older buildings may be hazardous and require special handling to remove and replace safely. Additionally, finding a suitable new use for the building is crucial.
Olschlager explains: “The biggest challenge is finding a compatible new use, so that important historic character is preserved. For example, warehouse adaptation is usually easier as there are not many significant interior spaces. But converting a church into housing would not be a compatible use since much of the interior would have to be significantly altered.”
Transforming Cities
Despite these challenges, the benefits of reusing buildings are immense. Instead of leaving old buildings unused, they are given a fresh new life, drawing community attention and preserving the past while looking ahead to the future.
If you’re considering reusing a building, contact us for a quote and learn more about St. Cloud Window’s historic aluminum doors and windows.