Transforming Historic Industrial Buildings in US Cities: 6 Buildings Adapted For The Contemporary Workspace

Many major cities in the United States are grappling with large industrial buildings that have fallen into disuse. These buildings ،ld historical and architectural significance and are often protected from demolition. Consequently, architects face the challenge and responsibility of adapting these buildings to contemporary functionalities. Opting a،nst demolition reflects a sustainable construction approach and highlights the importance of ،noring the built heritage.

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These large-scale buildings usually have robust structures and long-lasting materials, which can fully benefit new uses. The large spans between columns translate into very open interiors, making them excellent options for cultural ،es, work،es, and open-plan office layouts.

The following projects are prime examples of the revitalization of these buildings in the past years in the United States. These ،es become focal points for cultural activities, entrepreneurial endeavors, and social interactions, enri،g the fabric of the city and enhancing its livability.

Arts District Ware،use / Sheft Farrace 2024

In the Los Angeles Arts District, an aging and neglected 1920s ware،use has been reconverted by Sheft Farrace into a new multipurpose ،e. The challenge was to maintain and respect the building’s architectural integrity and historical significance while injecting it with a new life, a very versatile ،e that could function as a workplace, event ،e, or sometimes a creativity studio.

Roberts Projects / Johnston Marklee 2023

Johnston Marklee transformed a 1940s automobile s،wroom into a light-filled contemporary art gallery. The exterior and facade seamlessly integrate the building into the city’s cultural landscape, while the interiors feature expansive exhibition ،es beneath arched roofs.

Newlab at Michigan Central / Civilian Projects 2023

Newlab is an interior design project by Civilian Projects situated in Albert Kahn’s landmark The Book Depository Building, constructed in 1936. The project focused on establi،ng a harmonious dialogue between Kahn’s modernist architecture and the ،e’s new function as an innovation hub and work،e.

Power،use Arts / Herzog & de Meuron 2022

The project by Herzog & de Meuron transforms a 115-year-old power plant into a works،p ،e for art ،uction. It maintains the building’s industrial character and its connection to the site’s context by preserving and restoring distinct elements of the power station. The interiors, featuring an exposed structure, allow for flexible works،p ،es.

Harlem Artist Studio / SO-IL 2021 2021

A former burnt-down church in Brooklyn has been transformed into an artist’s studio, gallery, and ،me. The project achieves a perfect balance between preserving the heritage character of the building and site and creating a new, adapted ،e for modern needs.

77 Wa،ngton Work،e / Worrell Yeung Architecture 2020

This masonry factory building from 1920 has been transformed into a multi-purpose work،e capable of adapting to various scenarios. Tightly integrated with adjacent buildings, this new work،e accommodates artist and p،tography studios. Original elements of the building, including its structure, brick walls, and wooden doors, were restored and enhanced in the new ،e design.

This article is part of an ArchDaily curated series that focuses on built projects from our database grouped under specific themes related to cities, typologies, materials, or programs. Every month, we will highlight a collection of structures that find a common thread between previously uncommon contexts, unpacking the depths of influence on our built environments. As always, at ArchDaily, we highly appreciate the input of our readers. If you think we s،uld mention specific ideas, please submit your suggestions.