(CS2.2) Transformation of the Empty Glass Tower: Converting Obsolete Modern Office Buildings into Vibrant Residential Communities

The Modern commercial towers of the 1960s have been competing with contemporary architectural trends catering to the evolving workplace needs for decades. Exacerbated by the mass exodus induced by the recent pandemic and the new normal of hybrid work, nearly 50% of vacant commercial buildings are those that were built between 1960-1980, accounting for over 180 million empty square feet since 2020. While adaptive reuse of obsolete structures in not a novel concept, the conversion of commercial spaces to residential addresses a pressing and timely demand. Even governmental entities, such as the White House, have recognized the significance of this shift, endorsing such conversions through the release of a recent guidebook. Unlike other building typology transformations, the conversion of the “glass block tower”, emblematic of the modern era, presents distinct challenges and opportunities, resulting in unique outcomes that foster vibrant residential communities in what was once a hole in the urban fabric. This presentation delves into the complexities of repurposing such structures, examining case studies of a former medical office building, a department store and a national headquarters in the Midwest. Challenges stemming from deteriorating materiality, aging “innovative” assemblies, spatial limitations and financial constraints will be explored. The solutions capitalize of each of the building’s assets and creatively addresses their liabilities while respecting their historic character. Repair solutions not only addressed problems within the aging curtainwall assemblies, but also integrated solutions to improve the performance of the building in terms of energy consumption, thermal comfort and livability. These rehabilitations are examples of navigating the historic significance of urban renewal’s ugly ducklings and transforming them into visible symbols of a revitalized downtown. By exploring the adaptive reuse of these iconic structures, one can appreciate the multifaceted process of transformation that can turn an aged, empty burden into a dynamic space for contemporary living.