Vacant buildings once used for manufacturing have many new uses.
The decline of manufacturing jobs has lead once-bustling industrial sectors to decay into urban ghost towns. The empty manufacturing buildings are full of opportunities to revitalize urban communities. Structures originally used for manufacturing were engineered with large open spaces and are now shells ready to be converted into numerous new uses.
Storage Facilities
Converting an empty manufacturing building into a storage facility is a method to quickly create revenue from the property. Dividing the space into small units boxed with chain-link fencing and a gate is the least expensive method to create storage units. Advertise climate-control and 24-hour security to collect monthly rents with few tenant headaches. Although a vacant building can easily be converted to a storage facility, this may not be the best use of the property for financial return or for local revitalization.
Arts Center
Artists are drawn to deserted industrial areas by low rent for larger spaces. Conversion of empty manufacturing buildings into artists lofts, an arts center or museum compliments the new energy. Organizations and communities that recognize the value of a "creative economy" should first look into redeveloping empty manufacturing buildings for both square footage and historical value. The Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa located four such industrial buildings to create an arts complex that includes a museum as a destination for arts programs and education. The effort is expected to encourage other economic development in Tulsa.
Recreational Facility
The expansive open floor plans and unusually high ceilings of manufacturing buildings are ideal for creating indoor recreational facilities for rock climbing, water slides and carnival rides. Ray Petro of Cleveland, Ohio, took the opportunity to transform an empty manufacturing building into an indoor haven for mountain bikers when weather makes it difficult to ride outdoors. According to an NPR article, Petro built ramps and jumps from wood and concrete but left the interior of the building unfinished, which adds to the rugged appeal.
Big-box Examples
Groups in suburban areas have had to find new uses for the big-box stores that serve as examples when considering the future of an empty manufacturing facility. These groups have transformed the wide-open spaces of big-box stores into community service centers as schools, clinics and justice centers. Divided space accommodates retail shopping or a flea and craft mall.
Mixed Use
Converting a multi-story building with a large footprint into mixed use makes fiscal sense and provides the quickest way to revitalize a neglected area. Dividing the street level for retail shops and dining provides the developer or investor with space that can be leased at the highest commercial rate available for the area. Conversion of the next one or two stories up into office space provides the developer with commercial rents and an attractive incentive to future retail tenants. Conversion of the upper floors of the old manufacturing building into apartments attracts professionals working in the area to maintain day and night activity. If the area currently has attractions, conversion of the upper floors into a boutique hotel may serve a better purpose if hotel rooms are lacking near the area.
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