Adaptive Reuse is the process of repurposing an existing building for a different use, rather than constructing a new one. The possibilities of these conversions are endless. Factories and warehouses can be turned into residential or mixed-use spaces. Old churches can become community centers, event spaces or restaurants. But what we’re seeing most commonly in the industry lately is the conversion of urban commercial buildings into modern apartment complexes.
5 Questions
to Ask When Considering Adaptive Reuse

This trend is owed to several factors. Because Adaptive Reuse leverages an existing structure, it eliminates some steps of the construction process, presenting a variety of benefits to project owners and developers. These conversion projects are often more cost-efficient, less logistically cumbersome, and more sustainable than traditional new builds. They are also a key component in many urban revitalization initiatives.
“You’re taking an office building that might have 75 percent occupancy — or less in the post-COVID era — and turning it into residential space for 300 or more people,” HGC Construction Vice President Jake Suer says. “That’s only going to help the downtown businesses, restaurants, parks and museums and create a vibrant downtown environment.”
An increased emphasis on greener living is another contributing factor.
“In these dense urban spaces, many residential buildings don’t have the standard 1:1 parking ratios, so you’ll see a lot of these residents using public transportation, scooters or walking to get around,” Suer adds. “It’s a much greener, more sustainable concept of living, working and playing downtown.”
Adaptive Reuse can be an ideal solution for some developments, but it’s important to consider multiple factors before deciding whether to pursue it. Here are five questions to ask when considering Adaptive Reuse for your next project.
What do I want this space to become?
Knowing what you ultimately want to use the building for is the first step in deciding whether Adaptive Reuse is going to be the right approach. For example, if the intention is to convert it into a residential building, will the units be studios and apartments or two- and three-bedroom condos?
“There’s a big difference in development depending on what you decide in that regard,” Suer says.
Is the existing floor plan conducive to my vision?
Once you know what you’d like to create, you need to determine if the existing layout supports that vision. Does this plan work for the conversion? Are the stairs and the elevators in the right place? Floor-to-ceiling heights and window placement are additional factors that will have a major impact on the potential design.
“These are the big-picture, high-dollar questions you need to answer up front,” Suer says.
MEPF is the next set of considerations, all of which should be discussed with the broader team consisting of the owner or developer, architect, and construction manager. (HGC Construction provides both Construction Management and Design Build capabilities to fit our customers’ unique needs.) Collaboration throughout any project is crucial, Suer adds.
Should I pursue LEED certification?
Adaptive Reuse spaces are excellent candidates for LEED certification because they reduce the need for new materials and can be outfitted to meet the latest green-energy standards during renovations. LEED certification is a great way to secure financial incentives while supporting energy efficiency and overall sustainability goals. Significant tax abatements are often available for achieving certain levels of LEED certification.
Should I pursue Historic Preservation instead?
Historic Preservation is a specific type of construction where landmark buildings are restored or renovated specifically to preserve their historical significance. An example would be our work restoring Cincinnati’s Taft Museum of Art, a 200-year-old building housing priceless artwork. But because Adaptive Reuse also involves old buildings, there can be crossover between the two specialities. And Historic Preservation tax credits are often awarded to Adaptive Reuse projects. To qualify, a building must be at least 50 years old. Due to the stringent nature of the application process, it’s important to explore this option early and make key decisions well in advance of your state’s tax credit deadlines.
Can Adaptive Reuse help me get to market faster?
Because Adaptive Reuse projects utilize an existing structure, this eliminates several layers of steps in areas such as zoning, permitting and design, saving valuable time during the Preconstruction process.
“If you can make your program work around the current structure, that gets you to market much quicker,” Suer says.
Considering core questions like those discussed above is crucial, but it’s also important to remember that no renovation or Adaptive Reuse project is the same.
“You have to think creatively about access, logistics, site management,” Suer says. “Every project requires a different level of creative thinking and problem solving.”
A trusted construction partner can help you determine which approach is best for your project, weigh financial and logistical considerations, and bring your vision to life.
HGC Construction is a trusted construction partner with a century-old legacy. We specialize in construction management, design build, specialty trades, historic preservation, new construction, and restorations. We build at all levels of complexity, across unique and diverse market segments. Our capabilities are defined not only by what we do but by how we do it. Our solutions-oriented approach is backed by grit, integrity and an unrelenting commitment to do it right. Discover how we leverage unparalleled expertise and creative problem solving to bring visions to life. Contact us for more.
On the Job:
Collaboration and Creative Problem Solving at Thurber Village

Thurber Village is a luxury 6-story apartment complex featuring 229 residential units, a 350-space parking garage, an amenity deck with a pool, and an outdoor garden. It’s the landmark component of a new commercial development in a central urban area of Columbus, Ohio, and scheduled for completion in June 2025. HGC has been managing the build since our new regional office opened there in 2023.
Here, team members Ian Kelly and Jake Maurer share a behind-the-scenes look at the project and some of the solutions they bring to the jobsite every day.
Their roles are similar, but micro vs. macro
As Superintendent, Jake focuses on the daily needs of the project and clears the path for great work by removing obstacles as they arise. “I take problems out of the way of other professionals so they can do their job,” he says. By anticipating needs and managing complications, he ensures every subcontractor can focus only on providing exceptional craftsmanship.
As Project Manager, Ian looks further out on the project timeline. While Jake deals in the immediate days and weeks, Ian is thinking months ahead. He ensures budgets, contracts, permits and POs are in order to prevent delays and keep things running on time and on budget. “I make sure everything is lined up and ready to go so when the teams show up, they are ready to start from a procedures and paperwork standpoint.”
Every day starts with a team huddle
No matter what’s on tap for the day, the morning begins with a team meeting in the jobsite trailer. Every subcontractor foreman plus the HGC team gather around a big table to discuss what’s being done, who’s on site, scheduled deliveries, safety considerations, and overall goals. Depending on the work that’s planned, it could be anywhere from 10 to 15 people kickstarting the day. “Then it’s off to the races,” Ian says.
Not all problems can be planned for, but they can be addressed proactively
Thurber Village has 229 residential apartments featuring dozens of unique unit styles. “There are a lot of nuances to the designs,” Ian says. “It’s not a standard cookie-cutter type of thing.” As construction was underway, HGC discovered there was an issue with the original design plans for one of the units where the clearance between two walls would not meet ADA compliance.
Solving the problem was a collaborative effort HGC led thoughtfully and efficiently to keep the project moving forward while avoiding extra expense or delay. Simply widening the space to meet ADA standards was not an adequate solution; rather, the solve required coordination between the owner, the architect and an array of subcontractors, from HVAC and plumbing to the drywall contractor and door supplier. Together, we remedied the issue in a way that maintained the original functionality of the room while mitigating changes to the timeline and budget.
Job sites can be unpredictable, so our teams have to stay ready for anything
When excavation began, we discovered the site had a groundwater issue. Mitigating it required hiring an out-of-state dewatering subcontractor and drilling 17 40-foot wells to pump the water out so we could dig to the required depth without it flooding. Arriving at an effective, efficient solution required extensive conversations with many different experts and stakeholders.
“Plans always change,” Jake says. “You have to step up and work through them.”
[Some problems just need a little creativity to solve
The property manager was ready to begin leasing apartments, but their new leasing office wasn’t yet scheduled for completion. Still, the agents wanted a place where they could meet with prospective residents and safely direct them to the model units for showing. To meet their request, we converted a maintenance office into a temporary leasing space that served its purpose while representing the modern and upscale appeal of the new apartment complex.
You have to consider the community surrounding the jobsite
Thurber Village is located just south of Ohio State University’s campus, in a densely populated area adjacent to several established neighborhoods of tight-knit communities. This proximity led to frequent queries from curious and concerned local residents wondering about the noise, the timeline, and the final product. We met these concerns with empathy and understanding.
“Sometimes they’re frustrated, so we’re always considerate and as helpful as we can be,” Jake says.
We also assured them our goals for a beautiful development that would elevate the area aligned with theirs. We gave back when we could, such as donating to a local trash cleanup, further emphasizing our commitment to enhancing the local community.
HGC Construction is a trusted construction partner with a century-old legacy. We specialize in construction management, design build, specialty trades, historic preservation, new construction, and restorations. We build at all levels of complexity, across unique and diverse market segments. Our capabilities are defined not only by what we do but by how we do it. Our solutions-oriented approach is backed by grit, integrity and an unrelenting commitment to do it right. Discover how we leverage unparalleled expertise and creative problem solving to bring visions to life. Contact us for more.
School Construction 101:
Managing School Construction While Minimizing Disruptions to Students

From renovations to additions, investing in school infrastructure can be a crucial strategic initiative for academic institutions as they enhance and expand their learning environments to meet the needs of their students. But these projects are often complex and require deep planning and expertise to achieve successfully.
Before diving into a school construction project, consider these key factors for minimizing disruptions, mitigating challenges, and supporting students along the way.
Understand the challenges
School construction projects, whether in a K–12 building or on a higher education campus, have several built-in challenges due simply to the nature of their locations. The first, most expected circumstance is the presence of students, faculty and other staff. Construction is inherently noisy, messy and busy, conditions that can impact learning environments and require accommodations to overcome.
School buildings are already extremely active, high-traffic areas, especially during the academic year. In the case of college campuses where students sometimes live, work and study year round, there’s really no extended period of breaks or down time. Working amidst the everyday hustle and bustle of a learning environment becomes a necessity.
Finally, jobsite configuration and laydown is a crucial consideration. School campuses are specifically designed to support the daily flow of traffic as it pertains to students, faculty and visitors. Adding a full construction crew and equipment to the mix takes thoughtful planning and preparation.
It’s important to approach these projects with eyes wide open to inherent challenges so as to better prepare for and solve them.
Recognize everyone’s needs and requirements upfront
Open and ongoing communication should be a priority throughout any construction endeavor, but it’s especially important in projects where there are multiple stakeholders, tight schedules and occupied jobsites — such as with school renovations, additions and new builds.
“This all starts with understanding what the client’s needs are first,” says Project Executive Bill Bromback, who leads many of HGC Construction’s school projects. “Are they ok with us having this area during construction? Where do the students need to get in and out of the building? We explain our process and they explain their process, and we work together to engineer all possible angles to avoid problems down the road.”
These conversations uncover important details that help identify the potential problems that need to be solved. Once we know what needs to be addressed upfront, “we dive into that day one in Preconstruction,” Bromback says.
Invest in planning to set up for success
A rigorous planning process before boots hit the ground on site is crucial to the success of any project. Our meticulous Preconstruction phase begins at least a year in advance of construction — and in the case of many school projects, 18 months or more — to lay the groundwork for a successful project that stays on budget, on time and exceeds our client’s expectations. During Preconstruction, we outline and analyze every step from conception to completion, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, prototyping, and value engineering. We collaborate with the architect early and often to help anticipate challenges and customize solutions.
“By bringing us in early, we can help our clients implement plans sooner rather than a couple of months before the job is scheduled to start,” Bromback says. This way, potential disruptions to students, faculty and staff can be planned for and prevented.
Capitalize on the down time
Whether construction remains underway during the school year or is reserved only for summer and holiday breaks is entirely up to the school and their vision. We have ample experience with both approaches and can accommodate needs accordingly.
In one recent project, we partnered with a private high school to renovate an entire wing, construct a 5-story addition, and replace two-thirds of the HVAC system. However, they didn’t want any construction taking place during the academic year. Through extensive planning, creative problem solving and a firm belief that no challenge is too complex, we created a program that featured customized solutions — including structural elements that were constructed in advance off-site — to successfully condense all work into a 13-week period during summer break. For administrators who choose a continuous construction schedule, we often implement temporary classroom spaces to meet the unique needs and requirements of individual schools and students.
Either approach can be designed to capitalize on periods where students are out of class and campuses are less occupied so as to minimize disruptions and promote seamless learning.
Get creative with solutions
At HGC, we believe our skills and craft are second to none — and the same goes for our problem solving capabilities. We take on challenges that others won’t because we know we have the expertise and ingenuity to solve them.
“We bring a lot of outside-of-the-box thinking to the table,” Bromback says.
In a recent project for Sycamore Community Schools, we were tasked with managing the renovation and expansion of multiple buildings without the use of trailers on site. While some schools are comfortable utilizing a modular trailer complex as temporary classroom space, Sycamore administrators were adamant that their students would not be displaced during the construction process. As a solution, we repurposed existing areas within the building to construct 17 temporary classrooms, temporary offices for administration and counseling, and a temporary kitchen. This avoided the need for trailers and allowed the school to maintain the same number of classrooms inside the building while supporting other student needs. We also constructed a new two-story glass-enclosed space inside the existing library, which provided an additional temporary classroom for the remainder of the project as well as a new book room for the library.
By implementing innovative solutions that kept construction going year round, we shortened this project time frame from 4 years to 2.5 years.
Be flexible
As is true with every endeavor, plans change. You need to be able to adjust accordingly. By leveraging our deep expertise and solutions-oriented approach, we are light on our feet and can flex schedules and adjust to meet changing demands or circumstances as needed.
“We’re really good about trying to find an alternative solution that allows things to keep moving while we’re waiting on something else,” Bromback says. “It goes back to thinking outside of the box to face those challenges.”
Manage risk to protect safety
One final consideration when initiating a school construction project is how to manage risk to not only protect the safety of everyone on site, but also to support project efficiency and on-time completion.
Managing risk on school projects extends beyond traditional considerations such as unforeseen site conditions and community engagement. It also encompasses factors like ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, adhering to stringent safety standards, and addressing environmental sustainability concerns. By integrating these elements into risk management plans, construction teams can create learning environments that are not only functional but also conducive to student well-being and academic success.
HGC Construction is a trusted construction partner with a century-old legacy. We specialize in construction management, design build, specialty trades, historic preservation, new construction, and restorations. We build at all levels of complexity, across unique and diverse market segments. Our capabilities are defined not only by what we do but by how we do it. Our solutions-oriented approach is backed by grit, integrity and an unrelenting commitment to do it right. Discover how we leverage unparalleled expertise and creative problem solving to bring visions to life. Contact us for more.