From Vacancy to Vibrancy: Adaptive Reuse in Action

Adaptive reuse is redefining the future of multifamily housing—transforming underutilized office, retail, and other assets into communities that meet today’s housing needs. This session puts the spotlight on three winners in this year’s MFE Awards: senior grand winner Residences at Mill 8 in Ludlow, Massachusetts, and mixed-income merit winner Stone Mill Lofts in Lawrence, Massachusetts, from WinnDevelopment and adaptive reuse grand winner Midland Lofts in Kansas City, Missouri, from The Cordish Cos. Attendees will hear first-hand the challenges of adaptive use, the need of thoughtful design and art choices, creative marketing and positioning, and a focus on lifestyle and community impact that helped shape the success of these developments. Along the way, practical takeaways on construction, financing, and execution will highlight how adaptive-reuse projects can overcome hurdles, revitalize neighborhoods, and deliver long-term value.