Or, there may have been code changes since the property was originally built, requiring updates in mechanicals or building systems. This is especially true for things like fire suppression sprinkler systems. With our convent conversion, an addition built in the 1980s has sprinklers, but the original building does not. Because of the change in use, we are required to install sprinklers throughout the entire building – the biggest infrastructure line item for the entire project.

Other building system updates might be necessary to meet the future use of the space. Restaurants, for example, require higher capacity for electrical, water and waste than an office or retail space. For our meatpacking facility project, the client opted to upgrade the capacity of the electrical, water and waste systems so the building is ready to accommodate a variety of possible future tenants – including a restaurant.

What elements can – and should – be preserved?

While not every adaptive reuse project is in a historically significant or landmark-status building, many are. If that's the case, there will be a whole additional level of review by the appropriate landmark authority before work begins, and the entire project team should have a thorough understanding of which original features are landmark-protected and must be preserved.

Other adaptive reuse projects aren't necessarily in historic buildings, but are located in an area where the community is committed to preserving the original character of the neighborhood. In these cases, keeping – or recreating – certain original elements is often a goal of the project. For our meatpacking facility conversion, the building's original façade was removed years ago because it was structurally unsound. The new façade we are building echoes the original design and is in line with the prominent architecture of the neighborhood.

And in some cases, original features can be saved for practical reasons because they fit nicely with the new purpose of an adaptive reuse project. An example of this is the existing chapel at our convent conversion project. Our client typically includes a chapel in all of its senior living properties, so it makes sense to keep this space as-is, with a few cosmetic updates.

An adaptive reuse project is a creative blend of old and new. By working closely with experienced project partners, including a knowledgeable general contractor, it's possible to find a balance between an exciting vision for a project and the practical considerations for bringing that vision to life.

Chuck Taylor is director of operations for Lemont, Ill.-based Englewood Construction, a national commercial construction firm specializing in retail, restaurant, hospitality/entertainment, industrial, office, entertainment and senior living construction as well as facilities management.