We get asked this often:
“Can you turn an old office building into residential apartments?”
The short answer? Sure, it can be done.
The real answer? We don’t recommend it—unless you enjoy expensive, complicated puzzles with no corners.
Recently, I came across a post by Andrew Cushman of Vantage Point Acquisitions (thank you, Andrew!) that summed it up perfectly:
👉 “It’s like putting ice cubes in the microwave to get a drink of water—you can, but there’s probably an easier way.”
Here’s why these conversions are more headache than home run:
- Ceiling Heights
Most aging office buildings were built with 8' ceilings—fine for work, not so much for living. Today’s renters expect height, light, and volume (think 9–10’ ceilings).
- No Balconies
Outdoor space is a hot commodity in multifamily design. Retrofitting balconies into an office facade? Costly. Awkward. And very, very rarely permitted.
- Tiny Windows
That long, narrow band of glass might work in a cubicle farm, but renters want sunshine and views—two things small windows don't deliver.
- Parking Woes
Most office buildings weren’t designed for the number of cars a multifamily property requires. And offsite parking? A huge deterrent to future residents.
- No Room for Amenities
Want to add a pool, gym, dog run, or even just a decent courtyard? Office buildings weren’t designed for lifestyle perks—and finding the space for them is a design challenge (or impossibility).
- Plumbing Problems
Offices often have one or two bathrooms per floor. Converting to multiple units with full kitchens and baths = a plumbing nightmare and sky-high costs.
While any one of these issues might be fixable on its own, stack them together, and you’ve got a high-risk project with tight margins and a long timeline. That’s a hard pass for most developers—and it’s exactly why we work with existing structures, not against them.
At San Diego Office Design, we’re all about creative reuse, smart renovations, and helping our clients get the best return on investment without battling uphill from Day One.
Original concept inspired by: Andrew Cushman, Founder at Vantage Point Acquisitions.
#InteriorDesign #OfficeConversion #MultifamilyDesign #RealEstateDesign #DesignStrategy #SanDiegoDesign
