I love the idea of “repurposing” content, used materials and products. Think about the pulverized tires that now provide a soft playground area, the plastic bottles that are now picnic tables, the discarded glass that is now an attractive countertop, or the trash paper that is converted into beautiful necklaces and bracelets.
As I see more and more vacant buildings around town I keep thinking about how that space could be repurposed into creative working places for all the new entrepreneurs and free agents.
Several years ago Calvin Lehew looked at what others had seen as an old eye-sore for years here in Franklin, TN. The old Jamison Bedding Company had been vacant for many years and was a dilapidated compilation of buildings, chimneys and loading docks. Today it’s a beautiful 12-building dining, retail and entertainment complex called The Factory and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Think about the hundreds of vacant or underutilized building around your town – the buildings that are no longer being used effectively for their original use:
- Libraries – many are being closed, but are wonderful layouts for co-working spaces
- K-Marts – just one example of large warehouses that could be repurposed
- Churches – many little country churches are simply closing the doors. What a wonderful opportunity to house “kings” as opposed to being reserved for only “priests.”
- Bookstores – as you know, many of these are closing. What if they created small work areas and charged a monthly fee?
What other buildings can you think of that could be repurposed for co-working spaces, or a business incubator, or innovation center?
How would you organize it for your own use and business profit?
Restaurants. There are many restaurants that just can’t make it. A lot of vacant space.
Dan – Do you remember the old State Pen in downtown Columbus, off Broad St. I Think? Unfortunately, they tore it down long ago, but I always loved the architecture of it and envisioned turning it into a multi use complex of some sort.
Diana – I don’t remember that one but this weekend we’re going up to the Mansfield State Reformatory where they filmed Shawshank Redemption. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture – I think it’s just a museum now.
Hey Dan – personally, I’ve always loved train stations, and there are many of them in small towns in disrepair. I think these could be rehabbed for many different uses such as restaurants, coworking spaces, or heck, even in some places, an awesome landing pad for a dining train!
Joshua – you are so right. Our Union Station here in Nashville is a beautiful hotel and restaurant. http://unionstationhotelnashville.com/?gclid=CjwKEAjw9-CfBRD8lt_w86zJiDUSJAADZA38aMBuiAachJDKME6p4cZwAYvH1HHWAdZ2v1h3GpAbpBoClsbw_wcB