The Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage Buildings: A Multiple-Case Studies Approach

Abstract

The adaptive reuse of industrial heritage buildings is a technique that can be used to help reduce the number of abandoned or unused industrial buildings and/or prevent demolition of cultural heritage assets; thereby, introducing new programs and functions into a structure and contributing to the maintenance, rehabilitation, development and redevelopment of targeted areas within a community. This thesis aimed to understand ways to approach adaptive reuse through the lens of land-use planning, by answering three (3) primary questions: 1. In the cases where the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage buildings was successful, how and why did these successes occur? 2. What are the factors/criteria that impacted the outcome of adaptive reuse and how did those factors/criteria impact adaptive reuse? 3. How can these criteria be transformed into tools that can be generalizable and be applied in various contexts with modifications to suit new contexts?

A multiple-case studies research approach was adopted. Five (5) Ontario-based cases of adaptive reuse were selected: 1) Artscape Wychwood Barns – Toronto, ON; 2) Evergreen Brick Works – Toronto, ON; 3) Kaufman Lofts – Kitchener, ON; 4) The Tannery District – Kitchener, ON; and, 5) Tudhope Building – Orillia, ON. The a priori assumption was that the feasibility, and to a certain extent, the outcomes of adaptive reuse projects are primarily influenced by cultural, economic, environmental, legislative, locational, “new-use” and/or social factors. The undertaking of a literature review verified that the seven (7) a priori factors were, indeed, themes amongst similar findings by accredited scholars and researchers. Original research was conducted by: undertaking site visits to each of the five properties; preparing brief histories on each of the cases; and, undertaking thirty (30) key informant interviews. The interview data was analyzed using a digital content analysis. Ultimately, ten (10) criteria were identified that may help in assessing the success of and challenges facing the adaptive reuse of industrial heritage buildings. Ideally, the findings from this study will help prepare those who are hesitant about adaptive reuse by providing tools that will enable them to undertake an adaptive reuse project with full knowledge on how to objectively investigate the situation.