Adaptive Reuse, Reimagined: From Big-Box Retail To Data Centers
Tom Kruger, Associate Principal and Data Centers Studio Leader at Corgan, notes that while adaptive reuse remains part of the conversation, it has become less common in the data center sector over the past five years. The reason is technical, not philosophical. “Data center requirements have become dramatically more specialized,” he explained, reducing the flexibility needed to adapt most existing buildings.
“If there is an opportunity to reuse an existing building, we will recommend it to save time, cost, and carbon footprint where appropriate,” Kruger said. Success depends on careful due diligence—reviewing as-built drawings, conducting site walks, assessing structural capacity, and planning for reinforcement where necessary. Even with extensive analysis, unknown conditions are inevitable, requiring contingency planning and flexibility throughout the design and construction process.
