this post was submitted on 06 Aug 2023
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I am all for converting commercial to residential. However, a civil engineer or architect (I can't remember)on reddit explained all of the reasons that's not practical or sometimes even feasible due to how commercial buildings are constructed. Plumbing, electric, HVAC, etc aren't designed for units. Retro fitting is cost prohibitive to the point where they'd need to be torn down and built from scratch.
I don't know how accurate that is, but it sounded legit.
Yet other engineers have said it can be done by refitting the window-facing offices as sets of single/double units with the interior of the floor as communal kitchen/gathering spaces, and separate floors for larger family units and spaces.
It's not that hard to figure out ways to do it but companies will have to be forced, either by threat of bankruptcy or gov't rules.
communal kitchens sounds like a freaking nightmare. Thats not realistic or practical. You are asking people to "just change their culture and social norms".
You seem to think that everyone would want what you want.
If it's not to your taste, don't live there. But there are thousands of unhoused people who may very well enjoy that vs living in a shelter or on the street.
Office floor plates are typically far too large for residential. Bedrooms require windows facing the exterior by code. Then the plumbing requirement will gut the building.
Offices already have plumbing on every floor for bathrooms.
And the idea to change over offices to residential is gaining traction ... so go talk to them about how it can't be done.