10/06/2025
🏗️ As cities nationwide explore adaptive re-use to address affordable housing shortages, one thing has become clear: repurposing 20th-century buildings into modern residential spaces is both promising—and complex.
At Colarelli Construction, we’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges these projects present, from hidden structural inconsistencies and hazardous materials to evolving energy codes and historic preservation requirements.
Through our work converting Colorado Springs’ former Helen Hunt Elementary School into transitional housing, we’ve learned that successful adaptive re-use demands deep investigation, proactive collaboration, and innovative solutions.
💡 Explore our insights and lessons learned from the field:
As cities across our nation desperately seek affordable housing solutions, repurposing abandoned 20th-Century buildings has become a hot topic among city