Office-to-Everything: A New Path for Revitalizing Downtowns, by Joseph Lauro

The article "Office-to-Everything: A New Path for Revitalizing Downtowns" by Joseph Lauro, published on November 27, 2023, discusses Gensler's advocacy for diversified use of office buildings in New York City. This approach, termed "Office-to-Everything," aims to transform buildings into versatile spaces that incorporate multiple uses. Gensler's efforts include participating in President Biden’s office-to-residential advisory committee and collaborating with HUD on a guidebook for commercial to residential conversions. This strategy recognizes the potential of converting office buildings to not just residential spaces but also a mix of diverse uses, thereby revitalizing urban areas and making properties more economically and socially resilient. Gensler's research on over 1,000 buildings across North America found that only 25% are suitable for office-to-residential conversions, highlighting the need for diversified approaches. The article emphasizes the importance of partial conversions, where a building's lower floors might remain as offices while other parts are repurposed, playing to the neighborhood's strengths and creating vibrant mixed-use communities.

The article also presents several case studies to illustrate the Office-to-Everything concept. One such example is the conversion of 160 Water Street in New York City, a project aimed at transforming an office building into a 588-unit residential space with added amenities. Similarly, Gensler's repositioning of a building adjacent to the 601 Lexington tower in New York demonstrates how upgrading ground-floor spaces can revitalize an entire neighborhood. These conversions not only address the housing crisis but also add value through diverse amenities like healthcare facilities and retail spaces. The article concludes by stressing the need for downtown areas to offer more than just housing, advocating for mixed-use developments that include access to grocery stores, retail, community services, and cultural offerings. This approach, as supported by Gensler’s City Pulse 2023 survey, is essential for creating sustainable, inviting, and diverse urban environments.