The program complements an existing residential conversion initiative and could yield up to 2.5 million square feet of new commercial space.
A new program in Washington, D.C. encourages the adaptive reuse of downtown office buildings into almost any other business, with the program itself dubbed “Office to Anything” (but officially known as Central Washington Activation Projects Temporary Tax Abatement), reports Ida Domingo for ABC 7 News.
The program is aimed specifically at non-residential uses such as hotels, retail, entertainment, or other uses, acknowledging that residential conversions, which are supported by the 2024 Housing in Downtown program, are not possible for every building. In announcing the program, Mayor Muriel Bowser said, “Through Office to Anything, we will transform vacant and underutilized offices into new, productive uses that increase foot traffic, generate economic activity and tax revenue, and bring new vibrancy to DC’s commercial core.”
The program offers a 15-year property tax freeze and could impact up to 2.5 million square feet of underused office space. “Officials said the value of the total tax abatements available is subject to a cap of $5 million for 2027, $6 million for 2028, and $8 million for 2029, with 4% growth each year after.”
FULL STORY: Office to Anything': DC launches program to turn empty offices into new businesses
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.
Minnesota Seeks State Support for Office Conversions
The 30% “CUB credit” would support the conversion of buildings 15 years or older into any use that “will return that vacant area to an income-producing, habitable condition.”
Over 71K Office-to-Apartment Units in the Pipeline for 2025
Adaptive reuse projects are continuing to bring thousands of new housing units onto the market as demand for office space remains low.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
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Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
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Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
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Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
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