Whether it's a large warehouse first built for mail order company Sears, Roebuck & Company in the early 1900s and converted into a 500-unit loft complex in downtown Dallas, or a former mall in Austin given new life as a community college, “adaptive reuse” of buildings is the new mantra for Became a city planner.
While the term became popular among architects and tradesmen in the 1970s, the concept has been around since the ancient cities of Rome, Athens and London.
What this means to you – Adaptive reuse is the process of rehabilitating a building for purposes other than those for which it was originally built. These projects serve to extend the operational life of buildings by modernizing them to better meet the economic and social needs of their respective communities. If you are a commercial contractor or tenant of these buildings, this process has implications far beyond just brick and mortar construction.
Brick buildings have many advantages over other building materials for adaptive reuse due to their structural durability and resistance to fire and climate damage. To learn more about brick construction, watch this video:
The Humble Laundromat: What It Can Teach Us About Reuse and Human Connectivity
Photo credit: Tyler Olson / Adobe Stock
Erin K. Peavey of Dallas firm HKS, Inc. describes herself as a “health and wellness architect + researcher + social health advocate and nerd.” She is a clear voice for the power of design for human connection.
Peavey is frequently published in mainstream media outlets such as Psychology Today, The New York Times, Fast Company, and others LinkedIn page offers a wealth of information on topics such as the adaptive conversion of commercial space.
In a recent post, she noted, “In dense urban environments, adaptive reuse is not only practical but also impactful.” She pointed to the modest laundromat. “These laundromats serve as a social anchor in communities where traditional gathering spaces are limited.”
“In cities like Brooklyn and beyond, former laundromats are being transformed into vibrant third places – where daily errands meet coffee, live music and community engagement.”
Citing case studies of this adaptive reuse, Peavey emphasized:
Laundry & Latte – Brooklyn, NY
A hybrid laundromat and cafe serving specialty coffees and snacks in a bright, cozy space – perfect for remote work, relaxing, or folding fresh laundry with a latte in hand.
Spin Laundry Lounge – Portland, OR
An environmentally conscious laundromat with two locations, one in a converted 1951 warehouse, with energy-efficient machines, free biodegradable soap, a full cafe/bar, retro arcade games, lounge areas and pop-up events that combine laundry with hospitality and sustainability
Peavey adds, “These examples go beyond aesthetics. They reflect a deeper shift in the way we use space.”
✔️ Multifunctionality
✔️ Flexible programming
✔️ Human-centered design
✔️ Local business support
Why brick construction is well suited for adaptive reuse
Sears, Roebuck & Company Warehouse in Dallas, originally built starting in 1913 and featuring Acme brick. The building was redeveloped as Southside on Lamar, a residential loft complex. Photo credit: Acme Brick Company
It is no coincidence that many commercial buildings that have been repurposed for purposes other than originally intended were constructed of adobe bricks.
Brick construction offers several advantages for adaptive reuse projects due to its durability, longevity and aesthetics. This can be a cost-effective and sustainable option as existing brick structures are often structurally sound and their reuse reduces waste. Brick also provides good thermal mass, contributes to energy efficiency and is a naturally fire-resistant material.
Brick buildings in particular offer several advantages for adaptive reuse. Accordingly NetSuite and other sources, including:
Durability and longevity
The Armor Building, a 50,000-square-foot, three-story property in the Fort Worth Stockyards, was renovated by the US Energy Development Corporation. Built in 1902, the building is constructed of Acme bricks from our Bennett factory.
- Timeless appeal: Bricks are known for their lasting strength and ability to withstand the test of time, making them a reliable choice for adaptive reuse projects.
- Long lifespan: Brick buildings have been proven to stand the test of time over centuries and are therefore ideal for converting to new uses.
- Minimal maintenance effort: Brick requires minimal maintenance compared to other materials, reducing future maintenance costs.
sustainability
- Reduced waste: Reusing existing brick structures minimizes construction waste and promotes a circular economy.
- Natural materials: Bricks are made from natural materials such as clay and slate, making them an eco-friendly choice.
- Energy efficiency: The thermal mass of brick helps regulate internal temperatures, potentially reducing heating and cooling costs.
- Recyclability: Even if bricks are damaged, they can be recycled for various uses, further minimizing waste.
- Healthy indoor climate: Brick is a naturally inert material that does not release harmful toxins, contributing to a healthier indoor climate.
Cost efficiency
- Lower material costs: When reusing existing bricks, material costs can be lower compared to new construction.
- Reduced construction effort: If the existing structure is sound, less extensive structural work may be required.
- Faster project completion: Adaptive reuse projects can potentially be completed more quickly than new construction, especially if the existing structure can be adapted with minimal changes.
Aesthetic and cultural value
The City of Galveston's 30th St Water and Electric Light Station was converted into a community center. The renovation won the Brick Industry Association's Brick in Architecture Award for “Best in Class: Historic Preservation.” Architect: The LaBiche Architectural Group, Inc.
- Unique Character: Brick buildings often possess unique architectural character that can be preserved and enhanced through adaptive reuse.
- Cultural preservation: Adaptive reuse can help preserve historic buildings and preserve a city's architectural character, thereby fostering a sense of community.
- Improved Curb Appeal: Brick can give a building a distinctive aesthetic and potentially increase its value and appeal.
versatility
- Wide range of applications: Bricks can be customized for various purposes including residential, commercial and mixed-use projects.
- Flexibility in design: Brick can be incorporated into a variety of architectural styles, from traditional to modern.
Adaptive Brick Reuse Case Study: Magnolia Center
Accordingly Green Building and Design (GB&D) Magazine: “For as long as buildings have existed, they have been repurposed and reused to serve functions other than those for which they were originally intended; in this sense, adaptive reuse is not a particularly modern concept.”
“However, adaptive reuse as part of the sustainable building design movement is a much newer idea – one that emerged from a concerted effort to maximize development space and reduce consumption of natural resources.”
A great example of this concept can be found at 1227 West Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth, Texas. Additionally, upon examining the original brick, it was discovered that the current Magnolia Center was constructed using bricks from Acme Brick. The current property manager of this historic structure, Nancy Medford, explains its history, which began 100 years ago.
Photo credit: Byrd M. Williams, University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History; UNT Libraries Special Collections
“Magnolia Center was originally designed by architect JB Davies and opened in 1925 as the Southside Masonic Lodge. The building was later renovated and renamed Magnolia Center in 1986. The owner at the time was Ray Boothe, a local architect who had worked for years renovating commercial properties in the nearby Southside area of Fort Worth.
“When we remodeled the first floor lobby, we removed all of the flooring that Ray had installed 20 years ago and the original floor was still intact. In the “vault” (where Acme Brick is exposed) there is an example of some of the mosaic tiles that were on the first floor. The original Masonic symbol was intact near the west door. The exterior door handles and the awning over the west door are original to the building. You can see the symbol of the Freemasons on both sides.
When asked how the building's brick walls have held up over the last century, Tim Bates, the current owner, said, “If we had to guess, the brick still looks as vibrant as it did 100 years ago. There's something timeless about a great brick fountain. This brick has served the building well over the years and helped mitigate Texas' extreme temperatures. It lasts keeps us warm in the winter and cooler in the summer!”
When redesigning the interior of this building, were there any challenges presented by the brick construction? The current owner said, “We didn't change any exterior walls and the building has a steel frame, so it was very easy to change the interior layout. The exterior is incredibly solid. When we added the second floor of our office, we were able to connect a steel beam to the exterior walls.”
“Due to the building's historic designation, we cannot make any changes to the exterior without approval. Luckily, the building was so well built and looks so good that we didn't want to change the exterior.”
What began as a Masonic lodge in 1925 is now home to a variety of businesses – from architecture and marketing firms to real estate and law firms to charitable foundations. Everyone will enjoy the convenient location and charming ambience of this superb, adaptable reuse property.
Connectivity from past and present
By transforming original factories, shopping malls, warehouses and even masonic lodges into vibrant living and working spaces with modern amenities, owners and tenants of these buildings can be connected to the former glory of the past in spaces that promote connectivity between current colleagues. This is part of the genius of adaptive reuse.
The history of architecture is replete with examples of the adaptive reuse of structures repurposed for a different purpose. Brick has been an important part of this history for thousands of years. More information Speak to one of the experts at Acme Brick about brick construction.