Book Description

Virtually every city faces the problem of vacant storefronts that discourage neighborhood reinvestment. This valuable how-to guide provides ideas and design solutions for converting surplus commercial storefront space to residential uses. It identifies five common types of commercial buildings, discusses the pros and cons of converting each type to housing, and examines issues such as privacy, security, zoning, and historic preservation. Rich with photos, this report also includes sample drawings that guide you through the reinvention of the building's interior space. Before and after photos provide dramatic proof that these ideas can be highly successful in improving communities, providing housing, and preserving the best of the past. Includes five well-illustrated case studies.