Cities also face the challenge of working with architects and developers to preserve buildings of architectural and historic value. Howe noted that the City of Los Angeles has encouraged adaptive reuse of buildings by removing regulatory barriers and streamlining the permitting process. Additionally, some unique opportunities were exposed in these projects including 16-foot heights and concealed spine ceilings. Stephen Johnson said the demands of the marketplace are creating new uses for older buildings. For example, some educational institutions are creating hubs in historic downtown districts to serve working professionals and other students.
Potential investors consider the fact that there are tax credits for historic re-use.
Debra Lietz is director of business development in the Los Angeles office of RTKL, an international architecture and planning firm.