NYC could add 17,000 homes through office conversions
Briefly

Adaptive reuse of aging office spaces in New York City is becoming a viable solution for the housing shortage. A report reveals that over 15 million square feet of office space could be transformed into approximately 17,400 apartments. This trend has accelerated post-pandemic as remote work has reduced office occupancy. The city plans to incentivize these conversions with a tax break, while critics warn of potential long-term revenue loss. Successful conversion projects could revitalize urban areas and reduce office vacancy rates significantly, creating engaging neighborhoods.
More than 15 million square feet of aging office space across New York City could be flipped into nearly 17,400 apartments. This represents a pivotal shift in the fight against the housing crisis.
In total, the report counts 44 conversion projects either completed, underway, or proposed that have gained momentum since the pandemic. Developers are seizing the opportunity to turn empty offices into needed homes.
A generous new tax break called 467-m provides developers with up to 90-percent off their property tax bill for at least 35 years, encouraging the conversion of office spaces into residential units.
Conversions could potentially absorb one-third of New York City's pandemic-era office vacancy losses, fostering vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods in areas once dominated by traditional work hours.
Read at Time Out New York
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