commercial and industrial adaptive reuse

Adaptive reuse construction creates what you need when your perfect location doesn’t have the perfect facility. Instead of knocking down an older or unsuitable building, our in-house team helps you reuse historical architecture with the added benefit of modern energy-efficient components and durable materials. 

Modifying, remodeling, and otherwise updating an existing facility for your business requires a careful hand and decades of knowledge. 

MGM Construction serves Erie County, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas with experienced adaptive reuse construction. Working for decades with local building codes and regulations gives us the knowledge you want leading your project.

Adaptive Reuse

Whether you’re going for the charm of an older era with updated amenities or a truly unique hybrid building filled with technology, our team has you covered. 

Working with MGM Construction

Our team enjoys the challenge of balancing the need to meet modern building codes and efficiency standards with old and historic building’s style and grace.  You may be facing several challenges on your project, however, and we’re here to help you.

Parkside Commons

Parkside Commons
Parkside Commons in Meadville, Pennsylvania is a great example of both adaptive reuse construction and historical institution construction and renovation.

Parkside Commons

The MGM Construction team is here to handle issue like

  • Structural Integrity and Safety:

    • Ensuring the existing structure can support new uses
    • Identifying and addressing damage or deterioration

  • Compliance with Modern Codes and Standards:

    • Updating buildings to meet current building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards, including grandfathering in where applicable
    • Navigating differing requirements between historical building preservation standards and modern building codes

  • Preservation of Historical Features:

    • Balancing unique architectural and historical features with modern functionality
    • Working with preservation societies and local authorities

  • Environmental and Health Hazards:

    • Managing and mitigating hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint
    • Ensuring safe removal and disposal of hazardous materials

  • Unforeseen Conditions and Surprises:

    • Discovering hidden issues during renovation
    • Adjusting project plans and budgets to address surprises

  • Utility Upgrades:

    • Upgrading outdated electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
    • Integrating new technology and systems into the existing structure

  • Design and Functional Challenges:

    • Adapting the building’s layout to suit new purposes
    • Ensuring the new design is functional and aesthetically pleasing

  • Cost Management:

    • Controlling costs, as adaptive reuse projects can sometimes be more expensive
    • Managing financial risks associated with potential delays and unexpected challenges

  • Stakeholder Coordination:

    • Coordinating with preservationists, local authorities, and the community
    • Managing differing expectations and requirements

  • Sustainability Considerations:

    • Implementing sustainable practices and using quality building materials
    • Balancing sustainability goals with your existing structure

Adaptive Reuse FAQ

What is adaptive reuse construction?

Adaptive reuse is the process of taking an existing building and repurposing it for a new use instead of tearing it down and starting from scratch. It might mean converting an old school into mixed residential and office space, or transforming a dated commercial building into a modern facility that fits your current operations.

Many building types can be strong candidates, including former schools, industrial facilities, commercial or office buildings, and historic structures with solid “bones.” MGM evaluates each building’s structural integrity, existing systems, and code requirements to determine whether reuse is a smart, safe option for your project.

One of the strengths of adaptive reuse is the ability to keep unique historic elements such as masonry, woodwork or architectural details while integrating modern systems and finishes. MGM works with preservation requirements, local authorities and your design goals to balance historical character with current performance standards.

The best first step is a conversation and a site review. MGM can assess structural condition, code requirements, potential hazards and upgrade needs, then help you compare adaptive reuse, additions or new construction. With more than three decades of experience in Northwestern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas, our team can advise which approach fits your goals, budget and timeline.

In some cases, yes. Depending on the building and required work, MGM can phase construction, isolate work zones and coordinate schedules to reduce disruption to ongoing operations. This is evaluated project by project, with safety and code compliance as top priorities.

Simply request a quote or contact us via the form on our website. We’ll schedule an initial consultation to discuss your goals, budget, and timeline, then walk you through the design-build process and provide a tailored proposal.