Converting Empty Offices to Micro-Apartments: A New Urban Housing Solution
American cities face two significant challenges: an abundance of vacant office space and a severe shortage of affordable housing. A potential solution has emerged: converting empty office buildings into "micro-apartments" - ultracompact rental units comparable in size to cruise ship cabins.
According to The Minnesota Star Tribune, urban planners estimate that a typical micro-apartment in Minneapolis could rent for approximately $750 monthly, roughly half the cost of standard downtown rentals. These compact units, measuring about 150 square feet, would accommodate basic amenities:
- A bed
- A desk
- A half-sized refrigerator
The concept includes shared communal spaces for:
- Living areas
- Kitchen facilities
- Laundry rooms
## Historical Context and Modern Application
As USA Today's Andrea Riquier notes, single-room occupancy dwellings aren't new - boarding houses were once common. However, this modern reimagining could serve multiple demographics:
- Young adults
- Seniors
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
## Expert Perspectives
### Rachel Cohen (Vox)
Cohen frames the discussion within America's "affordability crisis," noting a national housing shortage of up to 7 million homes. While converting offices to standard apartments seems logical, several obstacles exist:
- Strict zoning regulations
- High interest rates
- Rising construction costs
### Pew Charitable Trusts
Alex Horowitz and Tushar Kansal outline potential benefits:
- Downtown revitalization
- Reduced homelessness
- Improved housing affordability
- Enhanced economic opportunity
They emphasize that residents would benefit from:
- Affordable rent
- Proximity to downtown employment
- Access to public transportation
## Market Context and Implementation
### Commercial Real Estate Impact
Business Insider reports an impending "seismic event" in commercial real estate:
- Over one billion square feet of office space could become available
- High vacancy rates may lead to property firesales
- Properties will likely face demolition or conversion
### Progress in Implementation
The Pacific Northwest is leading the way:
- Washington state passed legislation requiring cities to allow micro-apartments in buildings with 6+ units
- Seattle offers units at approximately $900 monthly ($550 below median studio costs)
- The initiative provides affordable housing without requiring subsidies
Dan Bertolet of Sightline Institute notes that these units represent "the cheapest option available without subsidized housing."