Why we must change our attitude toward 'old' buildings

Fast Company

05-06-2025

I've witnessed firsthand how attitudes toward existing buildings in need of a second life have evolved over the years. What were once considered blighted properties—or more mildly put, 'outdated buildings'—were met with wrecking balls. How we approach older structures now, not as burdens or obstacles, but as valuable assets that contribute meaningfully to a community's character and future, is a total transformation in the public's perception. This mindset shift reflects a broader recognition that the past is not something to be discarded, but to be celebrated, preserved, and reinvigorated.
One of the most compelling aspects of adaptive reuse is the way it engages with a community's emotional and historical connections to its built environment. Over the years, I've seen that people develop deep affinities for the buildings that are part of their lives—whether because of personal memories, cultural significance, or their role in the daily rhythms of a neighborhood. However, while the emotional attachment to these buildings remains strong, their usefulness can atrophy over time. The infrastructure may age, and the original purpose of a building may no longer align with contemporary needs. In these cases, adaptive reuse becomes a bridge, a way to honor a structure's legacy while giving it new life.
The balancing act
It's a delicate balancing act between preservation and innovation, and it's a process that excites me—because it offers the opportunity to not only preserve the past but also activate it in a dynamic and forward-thinking way. My architecture firm recently transformed a 1930s-era Sears department store into a mixed-use block including more than 200 new apartments, as well as 50,000 square-feet of retail space. By combining housing and shopping, we create greater density, purpose, and connectivity, which enlivens cities like Chicago, where this project is located.
By repurposing old buildings, we also retain a sense of continuity—an important link between generations. It's a strategy that works best when integrated into a broader urban plan. Sometimes, an existing structure may not reach its full potential until it is complemented by new projects that bring additional vibrancy and utility to the area. In this way, the new and the old coexist, enhancing each other and helping to create a richer, more complex urban fabric. Retaining an existing building can also reduce the embodied carbon footprint of an entire project.
Ultimately, adaptive reuse is a key strategy for creating sustainable and community-centered development. It aligns with a growing recognition that buildings are more than just physical structures—they are symbols of history, identity, and shared experience. By embracing the creative potential of these spaces, we not only preserve their legacy but also provide the foundation for future generations to build upon. This holistic approach to development is essential for fostering resilient communities that honor their past while looking ahead to the future.