By Cornelius (Lee) Alig
When people think about transformation in cities, they often picture brand-new skyscrapers or sprawling developments breaking ground. But across the Heartland—in cities like Indianapolis, Detroit, Columbus, and Kansas City—the most exciting changes aren’t always being built from scratch. They’re being brought back to life.
This is the power of adaptive reuse—the practice of taking existing buildings and repurposing them for new uses while preserving their character and architectural integrity. As an architect, urban advocate, and lifelong Midwesterner, I’ve seen firsthand how adaptive reuse is reshaping our cities—not only physically, but socially and economically.
A Second Life for Forgotten Spaces
The Midwest is full of former industrial giants—factories, warehouses, train stations—that were once the engines of our communities. Over time, as industries changed or declined, many of these buildings were abandoned or left to deteriorate.
But here’s the thing: these structures were built to last. They’re sturdy, often beautiful, and rich with the kind of character you just can’t replicate with new construction. Instead of tearing them down, we’re now seeing a wave of projects that breathe new life into old buildings—transforming them into apartments, restaurants, creative office spaces, breweries, and cultural venues.
This isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about sustainability, smart economics, and community identity.
Sustainable by Design
Adaptive reuse is one of the greenest forms of development. When we preserve and repurpose a building, we reduce the need for new materials, lower construction waste, and conserve the energy embedded in the original structure.
Rather than sending tons of brick, wood, and steel to a landfill, we can honor the original craftsmanship while integrating new technologies—like high-efficiency HVAC systems, updated insulation, and solar integration—to meet today’s standards.
This matters deeply as cities in the Heartland work to balance growth with environmental responsibility. Adaptive reuse shows that sustainability isn’t just about wind turbines and bike lanes. It’s also about stewardship—respecting what we’ve already built and maximizing its value.
Economic Impact Without Displacement
One of the greatest challenges in urban development is revitalizing neighborhoods without pricing out the people who already live there. Adaptive reuse projects tend to focus on underutilized or vacant buildings in already developed areas, which means they can create new value without triggering large-scale displacement.
In Indianapolis, we’ve seen former schools become community centers, empty storefronts turn into small business incubators, and old industrial sites transform into mixed-use destinations. These projects generate jobs, invite investment, and increase property values—often without the controversy or resistance that comes with large-scale demolition and redevelopment.
It’s growth that respects history, place, and people.
Building Civic Pride
As someone who has worked closely with both design teams and local communities, I’ve always believed that good architecture tells a story. When we preserve a structure—be it a Gothic church or a turn-of-the-century factory—we’re preserving a piece of the community’s memory.
Adaptive reuse becomes a bridge between generations. A building that once housed a printing press might now hold an art gallery. A train depot can become a coworking space. The walls are the same, but the energy is new.
This layering of history and progress gives people a sense of rootedness. It reminds us that cities are not just grids and roads—they’re living organisms with stories to tell. And when residents see their history valued, they’re more likely to invest emotionally in their city’s future.
A Future Built on Character
Across the Heartland, we have no shortage of buildings waiting to be rediscovered. While some developers still default to new construction, more and more architects, planners, and civic leaders are recognizing the unique advantages of adaptive reuse.
It’s cost-effective, environmentally smart, and deeply human. It respects the past without being trapped by it. It opens doors for creative thinking and partnerships—between public institutions, private investors, and community stakeholders.
Most importantly, adaptive reuse allows us to retain the soul of our cities while preparing them for the future. We don’t have to choose between growth and character—we can have both.
Designing for a More Resilient Heartland
As we look ahead, I believe the Midwest has a unique opportunity to lead by example. Our cities may not always make national headlines, but they are full of resilient people, historic places, and untapped potential.
Adaptive reuse is not a silver bullet—but it is a powerful tool in the urban toolbox. It allows us to build smarter, more inclusive, and more beautiful cities—cities that honor where we’ve been while embracing where we’re going.