(pronounced eh-DAP-tihv REE-yoos)

This term is essentially a more descriptive form of the word “remodeling.” It describes the rehabilitation of an existing building – often a rundown one that had once been used for commercial, industrial or civic use – to serve a completely new purpose, such as an office, retail establishment, hotel, or even a residence. Many times the property has some sort of historic value that either must be or is desirable to be preserved. As you might have guessed, adaptive reuse is similar to historic preservation, but without as much of the research and regulation. If you think about it, adaptive reuse is the ultimate in recycling.