Adapting the Curb for Adaptive Reuse

The rise in conversions of office buildings to housing and other uses raises questions about curb management and parking.

1 minute read

January 8, 2024, 9:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


View from street of two neoclassical buildings with narrow alley between them.

evening_tao / Adobe Stock

As the movement to convert office buildings to housing gains steam, new questions are arising about how to adapt the curb space and parking around converted buildings. “Cities need to consider how vehicle storage, bike and bus lanes, and drop-off zones in front of buildings need to change with building conversions, Transportation for America Policy Director Benito O. Pérez said.”

Amanda Loudin explains in Smart Cities Dive, using an example from Chicago, where planners and developers are working to understand how office conversions affect parking, mobility, and transit needs. For example, “Loading docks, useful for office buildings, are not a good fit for residents awaiting deliveries from Amazon.”

Toccarra Nicole Thomas, director of land use and development at Smart Growth America, says “You have to prioritize people movement and activities.” According to Thomas, “That means considering modes and access to buildings, like bike lanes and bus lanes, congestion, and being open to experimentation.”

Friday, January 5, 2024 in Smart Cities Dive

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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