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Adaptive Reuse

Buildings we already have can shape the communities we want. Through adaptive reuse, we transform existing structures to address social, economic, and environmental needs. Big-box store to school, office to housing, industrial to hotel, our multidisciplinary teams reimagine what’s possible, solving for hidden challenges and delivering new value.

Interior atrium with exposed brick. Seating area at center and wood beams overhead. 2 walkways on sides above with metal rail
BY THE NUMBERS

Adaptive Reuse Solutions

1.5M SF+

saved from demolition

50-75%

carbon reduction

10+

building types
Hit play on the unique design complexities of historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, and the knowledge required to take them on.

Ideas

Recommended Reads

Rendering of a multistory office building with large glass atrium out front surrounded by trees and lush landscaping

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Reimagining the Past: The Sustainable Imperative of Adaptive Reuse

The most sustainable construction choice is nearly always going to be adaptive reuse. Studies in countries around the world show that reusing and renovating buildings reduces greenhouse gas emissions anywhere from 78% to 95%.

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Addressing Societal Issues with Adaptive Reuse

Our multidisciplinary experts’ holistic solutions on dozens of adaptive reuse projects creatively address social, economic, and environmental challenges to foster vibrant communities.

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Data Center Adaptive Reuse: 5 Strategies for Existing Buildings

AI-driven technology and cloud computing is set to double global energy needs by 2030. To meet this demand, we can convert existing buildings into high-performance data centers.

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architectural master plan drawing of a college campus with green aerial designations for outdoor space and blue rectangles for buildings

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Master Planning for New College Standards

Adaptive reuse is a key strategy in campus plans that prioritize renewal, flexibility, and sustainability for a future generation of learners.

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Community-Centered Design: The Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Center

How the community-driven design of the Greater Whittier LGBTQ+ Center addresses a need in southeastern Los Angeles County.

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A pair of brick façade buildings, built in 1890, once a warehouse is now an hotel in a bustling downtown.

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Adaptive Reuse: Converting Vacant Buildings into Thriving Spaces

By unlocking the potential of dormant office buildings, adaptive reuse breathes new life into dead zones, revitalizing vibrant mixed-use communities.

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Beyond the Facades: Telling Stories of Extraordinary Places

In an interview with Accidentally Wes Anderson’s Founder Wally Koval, we discuss our approach to blending design and history, captivating a global audience and highlighting the beauty behind the facades.

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main entrance of a modern laboratory office building; feature staircase with seating built out below and to the left; indoor greenery and exposed structural elements

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Life Science and Adaptive Reuse

The life sciences industry has been growing steady for over a decade; our expert analyzes how the demand for space led us to retrofit conversions.

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White wall with macrame wall hanging between wood pillars on tile floor with geometric wood and metal table at center

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The Intersection of Preservation and Adaptive Reuse in Hospitality

The art of adaptive reuse breathes new life into communities while also preserving a true sense of history and community.

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Featured Work

  • Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District

Historic Mill Transformed to Lifestyle Hotel

View Project
Exterior view of historic mill district cement building with uplighting and ornamental emblems at the Canopy Mill District

Featured Press

Out of the Shadows: Bringing Light to a Modernist Icon

In Work Design Magazine, Erica Ceder details how we’re adapting the Joel M. Pritchard Building into a modern workplace without losing its modernist soul.

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Rendering of a multistory office building with large glass atrium out front surrounded by trees and lush landscaping

Adaptive Reuse in the Spotlight

The Latest

firm news

Fast Company Names DLR Group One of the World’s Most Innovative Companies

Fast Company has named DLR Group among the world’s most innovative companies for our industry-leading adaptive reuse strategies.

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Interior double height lobby space in school. Biophilia elements, plant wall, mixed colorful seating. Mass timber wood, large windows

firm news

Back-to-School: DLR Group K-12 Education Designs Soar into the School Year

The firm’s impact on educational environments is realized as students around the world begin the 2025-26 school year.

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Rendering of a multistory building filled with large rectangular windows surrounded by trees and lush landscaping

press
Interiors + Sources

Our Team Unveils Top Design Trends Shaping the A&D Industry in 2025

Our teams 2025 trend outlook explores creative design solutions that will lead the industry in the future.

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PXU career technical high school; school renovation and modernization in Phoenix for Metro Tech; large shading in branded red covers the outdoor area for passive cooling

firm news

DLR Group Leading Design Across 35 Acres for Phoenix Union High School District

With an emphasis on career and technical education, 400,000 SF of PXU’s Metro Tech High School will be renovated and modernized.

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welcome desk in front of a blue wall and cloud formation on ceiling at the North Kansas City Early Education Center

press
Building Design+Construction

Watch: Vision for NKC Schools Enabled Through Integrated Design and Collaboration

DLR Group Principal and Design Leader Ian Kilpatrick, AIA, NCARB, and Dr. Katie Lawson sat down with Rob Cassidy of Building Design+Construction to discuss how the vision for the North Kansas City School Early Education Center was brought to life through adaptive reuse, community investment, and integrated design.

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Erica Ceder, AIA, LEED AP
Erica Ceder, Architect
Email 503-220-1338
LEADERSHIP

Meet our People

Our sector, discipline, and executive leaders are dispersed to mentor the next generation of employee-owners, counsel clients, and share their design voice in their local communities.

Get to know them
design leaders going through drawings together; sketches and architectural plans pinned up on wall
CAREERS

Design Opportunities

The concept of ownership, its importance to our culture, and the immense benefits are rather simple. Driven by opportunity, we make decisions that impact not only our success but also that of our clients and partners.

Become an employee owner
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