The Impact of Differences in Renovation Models of Abandoned Boiler Rooms on Community Vitality—A Case Study of Shenyang, China

In aging residential neighborhoods, insufficient public spaces and a weakened sense of belonging have led to declining community vitality. Addressing the widespread idleness of boiler room facilities in cold-region contexts, this study integrates GPS tracking, Wi-Fi probe detection, questionnaire surveys, and field observations to develop a three-dimensional “space–time–behavior” evaluation model comprising five core indicators: activity type, spatial range, duration, frequency, and volatility. Unlike prior studies that rely on single data sources or unidimensional metrics, our multi-source approach enhances spatiotemporal resolution, improves the accuracy of subjective perceptions, and enables cross-validation between objective behavioral trajectories and residents’ self-reports, thereby significantly strengthening the comprehensiveness and reliability of community vitality measurement. The results show that the community service center conversion model maximizes spatial efficiency through functional integration, achieving a vitality score of 3.64—substantially higher than those for recreational renovations (3.16) and non-renovated sites (2.67). This model increases space utilization by 2.2-fold, sustains 12 h daily vitality, reduces residents’ activity radii by 38%, and boosts intergenerational interaction frequency by 43%, effectively bridging age group divides. We identify a “functional hybridization–spatial permeability–usage sustainability” mechanism underlying renovation efficacy and recommend the community service center paradigm as a priority strategy. The quantitative decision support framework established here offers empirical guidance for renewing existing spaces in severe climatic environments.