Boston Market Perspective: Identifying Office-to-Residential Conversion Candidates
As office-sector vacancies reach an all-time high, building owners and municipalities continue exploring ways to transform unused work environments into vibrant residential hubs. These complex conversion projects offer a singular solution to the multifaceted issues faced by many urban cores—namely, desolate streets and neighborhoods with significant housing shortages. Though this concept may appear straightforward, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to office-to-residential conversions. To unlock potential and add value, project teams must first analyze the adaptability of existing infrastructure and determine site-specific zoning regulations and incentives. A skilled design team can find creative solutions to repurpose commercial investments into appealing living spaces that bring vibrancy back to our city streets.
In this discussion, Maren Reepmeyer from SGA and Charlotte Bouvier from SGH will explore the driving forces behind the local Boston office and residential markets. They will also share their unique viewpoints on these challenging conversion projects from both an architect’s and structural engineer’s perspective.
Participants will earn 1.0 AIA CES Learning Unit (LU/HSW) for attending seminar. Registration is free.
In partnership with SGA
About the Speaker
Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Charlotte Bouvier is a Senior Project Manager with SGH. She specializes in analyzing, designing, and providing construction administration for new building structures, as well as assessing and rehabilitating existing buildings. She has experience in both the office and residential sectors and has overseen structural engineering considerations to convert industrial, utility, and commercial spaces for new uses. She is an active member of the Boston Society of Architects and has served in planning and leadership roles on its Women in Design emerging leader group. She enjoys giving back to the industry through teaching, including serving as a structural reviewer for university workshops throughout Boston and delivering papers and presentations across the industry.
SGA
Maren Reepmeyer holds the role of Vice President at SGA, a national, multi-disciplinary firm whose work spans architecture, interior design, and master planning for life sciences, academic, mixed-use, and commercial clients. A passionate architect and internationally published thought leader in the CRE industry, Maren focuses on firm-wide strategic development, growth, and diversification. With more than twenty years in the industry, Maren has established a reputable career with a focus on Adaptive Reuse, Revitalization, and Mixed-Use Developments across a wide spectrum of scale—covering urban interventions to localized placemaking. She enjoys working in cities rich in history and culture as their neighborhoods provide opportunity for both contextual renewal and awe-inspiring transformation. She has a passion for the complex and enjoys the challenge of infusing modern influence while celebrating historic character in design. She also believes that every project should embrace the opportunity to improve the public realm, enhance the human experience, and champion sustainable practice. Maren is known for her business acumen and expertise in highly complex project start-up, visioning, and development through realized execution.
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