A proposed tax abatement program would promote the conversion of office buildings to housing.
A new Washington, D.C. tax abatement program will promote the conversion of office buildings into residential units. As Venable’s Zachary G. Williams and Alexaida Collet Echevarría explain, “The program provides a 20-year tax abatement—beginning upon issuance of the certificate of occupancy—as an incentive for property owners to convert all or a portion of their property to residential uses.”
The proposed rules require that a project create at least 10 housing units, 10 percent of which must be affordable. “In addition to the above, property owners must agree to contract with a Certified Business Enterprise for at least 35 percent of the contract dollar volume of construction and operations and execute a First Source Agreement (which prioritizes employment of District residents) for operation of the development project.”
The program is designed to grow the District’s housing stock and utilize office buildings that have lower demand after the pandemic.
California Law Would Streamline Adaptive Reuse Process
A bill passed by the state senate would ease the permitting process for office conversions in central city neighborhoods.
Texas Bill Supports Adaptive Reuse in Commercial Areas
Senate Bill 840, which was preliminarily approved by the state House, would allow residential construction in areas previously zoned for offices and commercial uses.
Downtown Pittsburgh Set to Gain 1,300 New Housing Units
Pittsburgh’s office buildings, many of which date back to the early 20th century, are prime candidates for conversion to housing.
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