{"id":1004780440,"date":"2025-12-29T02:44:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-29T10:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/?p=1004780440"},"modified":"2025-12-18T06:12:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T14:12:11","slug":"an-architects-view-of-dallas-adaptive-reuse-momentum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/an-architects-view-of-dallas-adaptive-reuse-momentum\/","title":{"rendered":"An Architect\u2019s View of Dallas\u2019 Adaptive-Reuse Momentum"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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“We love challenges, that’s why we love adaptive-reuse projects,” said Picquet-Reyes.
Image courtesy of Merriman Anderson Architects<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Adaptive reuse is gaining powerful momentum nationwide as cities search for ways to reposition aging commercial assets. The U.S. delivered 12,700 converted apartments in 2024, according to RentCafe, with Dallas ranking fourth<\/a> in the nation for units created through redevelopment. And the trend is accelerating: More than 70,000 additional conversions are projected by year-end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few firms have shaped this movement in the Big D more than Merriman Anderson Architects. With more than 20 downtown office conversions completed, the firm has helped transform long-vacant towers into active mixed-use destinations, demonstrating how strategic redevelopment can restore commercial value while supporting the city center\u2019s broader evolution into a live-work-play district. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To explore what makes adaptive reuse viable in Dallas’ core urban area\u2014and where the next opportunities lie\u2014Commercial Property Executive<\/em> spoke with Jennifer Picquet-Reyes, principal & director of hospitality, historic and adaptive reuse at MAA. She shared insights into the building types best suited for conversion and why mixed-use activation<\/a> is essential for long-term performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How has downtown Dallas changed in recent years and how have your projects contributed to that transformation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Picquet-Reyes:<\/strong> Downtown Dallas was, like many other city centers in the country, underutilized and falling into disrepair. It was around this time that Merriman Anderson chose to move in the area and bet big on adaptive reuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we opened our downtown office in 2003, there were roughly 40 functionally vacant buildings and a few were tagged for demolition. Most of these buildings have been converted to new uses. These conversion projects have contributed to making downtown Dallas a mixed-use area. With a new convention center in the works, the city center will likely have an even greater residential and entertainment concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n