From Empty to Active: Reimagining vacant commercial and retail space for housing and social infrastructure

Urbanism Next Webinar Series

Crisis often creates new opportunities. Office buildings, strip malls, big box retailers, and restaurants are increasingly empty as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on communities. In addition, the increasing reliance on e-commerce has made it even harder for many brick-and-mortar stores to survive. 

What should we do with all of this vacant space? In this webinar, we will hear from national expert Karin Lilijegren, who is working with developers in Los Angeles to convert commercial and even light industrial space to residential uses. Assistant Professor Conrad Kickert from the University of Cincinnati is exploring how post-commercial storefronts could be reused to build social infrastructure by installing libraries or neighborhood centers, foster health and wellness as health clubs or healthcare offices, places for art, and much more. Scott Clarke is a member of AIA Oregon and an architect at Pivot Architecture will moderate the webinar.

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