Adaptive Reuse of Abandoned Schools

This thesis investigates the adaptive reuse of abandoned school buildings in economically declining communities, mainly focusing on how these transformations can contribute to sustainable community revitalization. The research highlights Columbus, Ohio, where school closures and grade realignments threaten to leave many school properties vacant, especially in minority neighborhoods. This adaptive reuse strategy presents an opportunity to address issues such as urban decay, resource efficiency, and social equity by repurposing these buildings into multifunctional community assets. The study adopts a multi-method approach, including literature reviews, case study analysis, and community needs assessments, to identify best practices and critical challenges in adaptive reuse, such as regulatory obstacles and financial constraints. The research proposes a tailored framework for reimaging school buildings as hubs for community services, affordable housing, and cultural centers by reviewing successful examples from diverse regions and gathering stakeholder data. Findings suggest that adaptive reuse preserves school structures’ architectural and cultural heritage and offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly strategy that aligns with sustainability goals. The proposed framework provides a practical roadmap for policymakers, developers, and communities, aiming to support adaptive reuse initiatives that foster sustainable urban renewal. This study concludes that adaptive reuse, mainly when supported by effective policy and green design practices, can catalyze revitalizing economically challenged communities.