Housing for Middle:
Office & Hotel Conversions
Case Studies
Housing for Middle:
Office & Hotel Conversions
Case Studies
HousingforMiddle.org is a "show & tell platform" dedicated to showcasing rapid conversion projects from a diverse array of stranded commercial real estate sources in prime locations across growing cities in Canada and the United States. Collaborating with partners, the case studies will focus on building transformation and adaptive use projects. Our platform serves as the central hub where policymakers, urban planning & zoning professionals, developers & asset managers, community activists, and academics convene to address the unique challenges facing middle-income housing in rapidly expanding urban areas.
Specializing in innovative rapid conversion projects, the cases focus on repurposing under-utilized properties such as hotels, offices, government & not-profit buildings, and other vacant commercial real estates into vibrant, energy-efficient residential spaces. Leveraging the existing infrastructure of well-situated properties with access to rapid transit and local amenities, these projects ensure convenient living for residents.
Our mission is not only to drive policy development, spearhead impactful conversion initiatives, and advocate for inclusive practices that provide accessible, sustainable, and vibrant housing options for residents, but also to scale this concept by bringing 50,000 units to market by 2030. HousingforMiddle.org will highlight real-world case studies that specifically focus on catering to a diverse range of tenant profiles, including:
By showcasing rapid conversion projects and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, HousingforMiddle.org aims to inspire collective action to address the pressing need for middle-income housing solutions. Join us in our mission to cultivate thriving, inclusive communities where residents of all backgrounds can secure safe, accessible, and attainable housing.
Calgary, Canada
Conversion: 130 units converted from an office to affordable & market rental housing.
Overview: Five Ten Fifth is being converted from an office building into 130 residential units and 5 commercial spaces. The premium location features close proximity to plenty of local amenities and services. This project will provide rapid housing options to residents across Calgary and support Calgary's housing initiatives.
Calgary, Canada
Conversion: 36 units converted from an office to affordable & market rental housing.
Overview: 441 is being converted from an office building into 36 residential units consisting of a broad range of unit types including 3 and 4 bedroom units. The building is flanked on 2 sides by other properties which creates an opportunity to develop these types of units which are in very short supply in the market. The basement of the building sits over the full footprint which will be used to create amenity space for the future tenants. This project will provide 25% affordable units to support Calgary's housing initiatives.
Calgary, Canada
Conversion: 80 units converted from an office space into attainable housing.
Overview: A vacant downtown tower was transformed into attainable housing including amenity spaces such as a childcare center, family services, and a programming space. This conversion has provided housing for vulnerable populations in Calgary, creating a tangible difference in the quality of life for residents. Neoma is situated in a prime location with easy access to transit and essential amenities, aligning with Calgary's attainable housing initiatives.
Calgary, Canada
Conversion: 258 units converted from an office to affordable & market rental housing.
Overview: 736 is a 22 story building being converted from an office into 258 residential units. The building is located inside the downtown Calgary area that is approved for residential conversions and is exempt from development permit applications. The project will aims to provide 68 studios, 72 1-bed and 118 2-bedroom units which will help with the high demand for rental units in the downtown core of Calgary.
Ottawa, Canada
Conversion: 170 units converted from an empty retirement home to middle-income housing.
Overview: This project transformed an empty retirement home into vibrant, attainable housing units catering to the middle-income demographic. With convenient access to local amenities and public transportation, Corkstown Residence provides comfortable living spaces for residents seeking attainable housing options in Ottawa. This is a great example of public-private partnership with City of Ottawa that is delivering long term housing, social services and financial assistance.
Kingston, Canada
Conversion: 109 units converted from Travelodge hotel to market rental housing.
Overview: Kingston Crest Residences now offers a mix of attainable and market rental housing units. Situated in Kingston, this conversion project contributes to the city's housing stock while revitalizing an under-utilized property into a vibrant residential community. Kingston City aims for a housing affordability goal in which 25% of units would meet the rates up to the affordability threshold.
London, Canada
Conversion: 23 units converted from office space to market rental housing.
Overview: London Lofts repurposed office space into market rental housing units, addressing the growing demand for middle-income housing in downtown London. This conversion project revitalizes under-utilized commercial real estate while providing residents with convenient living options in the heart of the city. Amenity spaces including a gym, yoga room, and entertainment area provided for all tenants to provide an improved living space.
Trenton, Canada
Conversion: 73 units converted from a Motel 6 to attainable & market rental housing.
Overview: Trent River Residences transformed a Motel 6 into attainable and market rental housing units, offering comfortable living spaces for middle-income residents in Trenton. The majority of tenants work nearby in the Air Forces Base and several mid-sized companies (manufacturing and storage industries) that are located within a 2-mile radius. With its strategic location and proximity to essential services, this project contributes to the city's housing affordability initiatives. Amenities like private workspaces, entertainment & lounge areas, and a commercial grade fitness center are also provided for the tenants.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Conversion: 90 units converted from a hotel to market rental housing.
Overview: Fallsview Lane Residences repurposed a hotel into market rental housing units, addressing the growing demand for middle-income housing in Niagara Falls. This project provides residents with convenient access to local attractions and amenities while revitalizing the city's urban landscape. 60% of the units are designated towards lower-income tenants in collaboration with the Niagara Regional Housing. Niagara Falls city has a policy goal of reaching 40% affordability for all newly built housing.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Conversion: 65 units converted from a hotel to attainable & market rental housing.
Overview: Fallsview Flats transformed a hotel into attainable housing, to support community needs with this development project. This conversion achieved 96% energy efficiency by replacement of hot water tanks and replacing old PTACs (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner) with new HVACs (Heating, Ventilation, And Air Conditioning). This was completed in less than four months from acquisition, showcasing efficiency and dedication to rapid project execution. Furthermore, 25% of the units are designated as affordable by the municipality, reinforcing the commitment to supporting housing needs.
Niagara Falls, Canada
Conversion: 118 units converted from a hotel to attainable & market rental housing.
Overview: Niagara Terrace transformed an underperforming hotel into attainable housing to support community needs. On top of creating 118 new rental units, this conversion is renovating the lobby and the underutilized basement to create ample amenity space for the tenants. With a gym, storage lockers, study/office rooms, laundry and a swimming pool the tenants will have premium amenities while paying achievable rent. Furthermore, 25% of the units are designated as affordable by the municipality, reinforcing the commitment to supporting housing needs.
Boston, USA
Conversion: 428 units converted from Sheraton hotel into housing for Northeastern University.
Overview: Northeastern has permanently converted a section of the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Copley Square to house about 854 students. The project has also repurposed 12,000 square feet into student amenities including a student lounge, dining facilities, a quiet study area, a laundry room, and a fitness center.
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