Beyond the Build

Construction Trends

Imagine the Possiblities

Next month, we will be starting another conversion, this time transforming a vintage Greyhound bus station into cool office space, maintaining classic bus station features. Our customer is having fun with the project and has purchased two vintage buses to park outside, as if ready to load passengers. They might be used as conference rooms or coffee shops for the buildings tenants.

Having been involved in the transformation of many iconic buildings, I can tell you that the real winners are the folks who occupy this type of space and co-brand with the cool vibe created.

When we started building adaptive reuse projects many years ago, I never realized how a building can personify the companies within. This is almost invaluable. Occupants are thinking long-term and total value vs. the base square cost. An occupant in this type of facility will motivate their most valuable assets, those who walk in and out of the front door every day.

Merrill Stewart Jr.

Merrill Stewart is Founder and CEO of The Stewart/Perry Company, a commercial building contractor based in Birmingham.