In the wake of a major cultural shift towards remote work, urban landscapes are evolving to meet different community needs. Office-to-residential conversions have offered a potential remedy for the growing number of vacant office spaces dotting city skylines across Canada and beyond. They also bring desperately needed housing to market faster than traditional ground-up developments. In this blog, we’ll explore what CLV Group is doing to pursue and increase sustainable infrastructure in Ottawa and beyond. 

The Significance of Office-to-Residential Conversions

Office-to-residential conversions are an innovative approach that not only addresses the challenge of activating underutilized urban areas but also champions sustainable development and the efficient, innovative use of resources. As we delve into the intricacies of converting commercial spaces into residential buildings, we uncover the potential to revitalize downtown cores, reduce environmental impacts, adapt to the changing patterns of work and living, and create much needed housing at a faster rate. 

The Rise of These Conversions

With the increase in remote work since 2020, there are more and more office spaces sitting empty in cities across Canada. Ottawa, in particular, has a 13.6% vacancy rate in office buildings, with a 14.2% vacancy rate in the downtown core. This creates an amazing opportunity for sustainable development by converting these unused office spaces into residential apartments, providing opportunities for more people to live in downtown areas. While not every office building is a candidate for conversion, there are creative ways to reimagine the ones that are. Several cities in Canada have successfully transformed office space into residential living areas, such as the Medical Arts Building in Winnipeg and Harley Court in Edmonton.

Sustainability Benefits

Converting offices to residential units reduces the environmental impact caused by demolition, building, and redevelopment, and offers opportunities for increased efficiency through updating plumbing, energy efficient windows, and electrical work.

• By using an existing structure, you reduce the carbon footprint of the project since the environmental cost of heavy machinery and building materials has already been paid. Preserving the original concrete significantly reduces carbon emissions throughout the project, as well as the large trucks needed to transport the would-be demolished concrete. 
• During the conversion process, there are opportunities for sustainable building practices and integrating environmentally friendly technologies during the design process, ensuring that the space is sustainable for years to come. 
• Additionally, adding more residential living spaces to the downtown core means an increase in community involvement by bringing increased foot traffic to urban centers. Downtown areas are less likely to empty after 5 p.m., allowing businesses to thrive and bring vibrancy to the neighborhood.

The Slayte

The Slayte is an innovative Adaptive Reuse project by CLV Group Developments that has transformed an existing office building into 158 residential apartments, complete with several high-level amenity spaces for residents. The Slayte is conveniently located in Ottawa’s Downtown core and benefits from the nearby mass transit network, employment nodes, and the future development of the LeBreton Flats district.

Future Outlook

The sustainability benefits of office-to-residential conversions are apparent, offering a path to reduce the carbon footprint associated with new constructions and capitalize on existing infrastructure to foster more energy-efficient living spaces. This approach not only conserves resources but also enhances the vibrancy of vacated urban areas, ensuring they remain bustling hubs of activity beyond conventional working hours and in light of the shift to remote/hybrid-work culture. 

By prioritizing sustainability, community, and innovation, we can pave the way for a future that embraces change. Our project in Ottawa, The Slayte, offers a glimpse at a fully completed conversion. Our ongoing project at 360 Laurier Avenue will certainly be one to follow along as well, promising to convert an existing office into 139 residential units by 2025.