Headed by Dick Baer, the Adaptive Reuse Committee will investigate the adaptive reuse of existing vacant or underutilized historic properties into new residential, commercial, and combined spaces. We have seen examples of adapting historic structures, even utilizing damaged or near-rubble walls, into ready-made, rich interiors while benefiting from century-old craftsmanship.

Old buildings preserve local culture and identity and create a sense of belonging. In a way, through this recycling, human resource energy is embodied along with material energy. Adaptive Reuse joins the past to be a part of the future, creating important connections through time.

Therefore, this committee will serve as a think-tank to review these models and develop processes, concepts and strategies for the beneficial conversion of existing structures. By effectively shedding our habits of tearing down old buildings and starting over, we can proactively utilize architectural residue from the past as a repository of vast physical, human, and cultural energy. And thus, it will provide the City of Buffalo with new residential and commercial opportunities that also preserves one of its greatest assets -- its architecture.