Adaptive Reuse in Action: Held Architecture Blends Historic Character with Modern Design

Conceptual rendering of the transformed Building – adaptive reuse design by Held Architecture.

At Held Architecture, we believe the most sustainable buildings are often the ones that already exist. Our adaptive reuse work demonstrates how thoughtful design can unlock new value from underutilized structures while contributing to the revitalization of the surrounding community.

This preliminary design reimagines an existing multi-story brick building as a flexible, multi-tenant commercial property. The project combines careful preservation of the historic masonry with strategic new construction, improved vertical circulation, and a welcoming public realm that turns the site into a true destination.

Site Strategy & Parking

Adaptive reuse rendering by Held Architecture.

The site plan organizes a new 30-space parking lot (including two ADA spaces) with clear access from both East Franklin Blvd and South Marietta Street. A generous sloped open green space and landscaped areas soften the hardscape and provide an outdoor amenity for future tenants and visitors. The design maximizes the corner location while maintaining efficient circulation and service access.

Architectural Transformation

The existing building’s strong brick character is celebrated and contrasted with a crisp, modern addition featuring large-format glazing and dark metal panels. This juxtaposition creates visual interest and clearly signals the building’s evolution into a contemporary commercial asset.

New floor area is added above the existing structure, significantly increasing leasable square footage while a new centralized elevator and stair core provides code-compliant, accessible vertical circulation throughout the building.

Public plaza rendering - adaptive reuse by Held Architecture.

Conceptual renderings for the project illustrate the exciting placemaking potential. A vibrant plaza with public art, generous seating, and landscaping creates an inviting outdoor environment that supports ground-floor activation and community gathering—turning a once-quiet site into a destination.

Flexible Multi-Tenant Planning

The new floor plans deliver efficient, flexible tenant spaces across multiple levels:

• First Floor: Two primary tenant suites (approximately 1,793 SF and 2,105 SF) with dedicated restrooms and direct access.

• Second & Third Floors: Additional tenant spaces (including a 2,154 SF suite and 1,830 SF suite) plus common areas and a generous hallway.

• Basement: Retained and reconfigured areas for storage, cooler space, and back-of-house functions supporting ground-level uses.

A new second-floor addition and reconfigured upper levels dramatically expand the building’s capacity while the centralized core keeps the floor plates clean and efficient.

Conceptual rendering showing how the design supports a vibrant public realm with art, seating, and food options.

By opening the ground level to a generous plaza and incorporating strong visual connections between indoor and outdoor spaces, the design supports a lively mix of uses. Future tenants—from professional offices to food and beverage concepts—will benefit from the building’s prominent location and the energy created by the activated public space.

Why This Project Matters

Adaptive reuse is at the heart of regenerative architecture. By retaining the embodied carbon of the existing structure, adding density in a smart way, and investing in the public realm, this project delivers environmental, economic, and social value. It strengthens the urban fabric and provides a competitive, future-ready asset.