HUD Office-to-Residential Conversion Research and Analysis
United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HR&A collaborated with Brookings Metro, Gensler, and Cara Eckholm Studio to develop a comprehensive study on office-to-residential conversions across six U.S. cities for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This research provides cities with actionable strategies to address housing shortages, repurpose distressed office markets, and revitalize downtowns through data-driven conversion approaches.
Facing a critical intersection of urban challenges—persistent office vacancies, housing shortages, and declining downtown vitality—many cities need clear guidance on viable conversion strategies. HR&A conducted in-depth analysis across Houston, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Stamford, and Winston-Salem to understand market dynamics and conversion potential. Our team evaluated existing conversion activity, economic feasibility, regulatory landscapes, and market conditions to identify patterns and success factors. Through this systematic approach, we created a framework that helps municipalities determine where conversions make economic sense and what policy interventions might bridge financial gaps.
The resulting report offers both strategic and practical value to cities nationwide. It demonstrates that while high-demand housing markets can support organic conversion activity, most cities require carefully calibrated policy interventions and financial incentives to make projects viable. The research highlights specific approaches that can address housing affordability, reclaim underutilized office space, and reinvigorate downtown economies simultaneously. By providing this evidence-based toolkit of methods to address post-pandemic downtown revitalization challenges, cities can draw from the methods that best suit their unique context.
