Cities today are not just redeveloping real estate, they’re reimagining what place means. Whether it’s transforming vacant office space into housing, revitalizing town centers, or aligning development with community needs, successful redevelopment must prioritize both economic impact and quality of life.
In this edition of Present Value, we’re resurfacing thought leadership that explores how adaptive reuse, strategic incentives, and inclusive planning can work together to shape thriving, equitable communities.
Office-to-Residential Conversions: What Works? A Comparative Analysis of Incentive Programs in Four North American Cities Corinne Packard Beasley, Senior Advisor | Originally published on July 11, 2025
This article offers a deep comparative review of office-to-residential incentive programs across four major North American cities, showing which policies deliver the most effective adaptive reuse, affordable housing synergies, and growth outcomes.
A New Opportunity for Office Conversions
Ethan Conner-Ross, Executive Vice President & Principal and David Stanek, Vice President | Originally published January 12, 2024
As demand for traditional office space softens, this article outlines the emerging opportunity to convert underused buildings into residential housing. It explores flexibility, partnership models, and economic viability strategies to support successful conversion.
How Can Location Intelligence Help Identify Affordable Housing Development Opportunities
Yihan Zhang, Senior Analyst | Originally published March 1, 2024
This piece highlights how location-based data tools can guide affordable housing projects towards high impact zones, helping planners align development with community needs and maximize inclusion and opportunity.
Better Understanding NJEDA’s Aspire Program
Stephen Madeson, Director | Originally published June 9, 2023
A focused examination of New Jersey’s Aspire incentives program, detailing how it supports redevelopment in underserved communities through targeted capital, project support, and equity-centered economic impact.
Town Center Redevelopment as a Local Growth Strategy
Anjana Balaji, Senior Analyst | Originally published May 2, 2025
This piece explores how blending placemaking, public investment, and inclusive planning can transform town centers into dynamic hubs that reflect community priorities and support long-term economic vitality.
Creating a More Adaptable and Inclusive Approach to Economic Development
Lucie Doran, Analyst and Frank Robinson | Originally published January 5, 2024
This article advocates for economic development frameworks that place community voices at the core, adapt to shifting market dynamics, and align incentive structures with inclusive, long-term growth.
Sofia Rebelo, Business Development & Marketing Assistant
Sofia Rebelo is a Business Development and Marketing Assistant at ESI. She is currently pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Drexel University.