2. Install Green Roofs or Walls

Green roofs or walls are an excellent way to improve a building’s insulation and air quality. These living installations help reduce the urban heat island effect and manage stormwater runoff. Additionally, they enhance biodiversity in urban environments and create aesthetically pleasing spaces, contributing to the overall well-being of building occupants and the surrounding community.

4. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting and HVAC Systems

Incorporating energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems is crucial for sustainable commercial spaces. This includes installing LED lighting with smart controls to reduce energy consumption. Implementing high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems further enhances energy savings. Utilizing building automation systems helps optimize energy usage across all these components, resulting in significant reductions in energy consumption and costs.

6. Implement Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs

Effective waste management is essential for sustainable commercial spaces. This includes designing spaces with dedicated recycling and composting areas to facilitate proper waste sorting. Educating occupants on proper waste sorting and reduction techniques is crucial for the success of these programs. Partnering with local recycling facilities ensures proper disposal and helps complete the recycling cycle.

8. Utilize Water-Efficient Fixtures and Landscaping

Water conservation is a critical aspect of sustainable building practices. Installing low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads significantly reduces water consumption. Using drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation systems for landscaping minimizes outdoor water use. Implementing greywater systems for non-potable water uses further reduces the demand for fresh water, making the building more resilient and environmentally friendly.

What has been your favorite part about interning at Summit Design + Build?

Atousa: “My favorite aspect has been the sense of family within the team. Everyone is extremely friendly and accessible, creating a warm and welcoming environment.”

Kenan: “The team are all very welcoming and helpful. Everyone creates a good atmosphere.”

Krutika: “My favorite part about working at Summit has been site visits, from assisting with project planning to witnessing the execution phase on-site, every day has presented new challenges and learning opportunities.”

Kosha: “I’ve really enjoyed the collaborative environment. It’s great to be a part of a team where everyone is incredibly talented but humble at the same time!”

Noah: “Meeting new people”

Mark: “My favorite part of the job so far is getting the opportunity to meet with many new people in my industry.”

What has surprised you the most about interning at Summit Design + Build?

Atousa: “I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was accepted into the team and how seamlessly I integrated. Additionally, despite being an intern, I was entrusted with critical aspects of the work, which provided significant learning opportunities.”

Kenan: “What surprised me the most is the level of detail that is taken into every project.”

Krutika: “The Gong Ringing!!!!”

Kosha: “I was genuinely surprised by how much hands-on experience I’d get as an intern working at Summit. From day 1, I’ve been working closely on various projects and it’s empowering to see my input being valued.”

Noah: “Everybody that I have had the opportunity to work with has been really nice”

Favorite Summer Activity?

Atousa: “Chicago is bustling with fun activities during the summer. From enjoying the river walk to attending concerts and shows, there’s always something exciting to do.”

Kenan: “Bike rides and going to the beach.”

Krutika: “My favorite summer activity is taking leisurely beachside strolls followed by some boba tea, it’s the perfect way to unwind and recharge!”

Kosha: “Hiking for sure. It’s exciting getting out in nature, tackling a challenging trail, and overall enjoying everything Chicago has to offer!”

Noah: “Water Skiing.”

Mark: “My favorite summer activity is to go tubing on the river.

If you could be on site of any construction project, what would it be and why?

Atousa: “I would choose to be on-site at the 4315 S Congress project. Its complexity and challenges make it particularly interesting, and I’m keen to observe the detailed coordination in action.”

Kenan: “I’m onsite 4 days out of the week, which is an awesome experience. Very few companies give you such a hands-on experience with construction like this.”

Krutika: “If given the chance, I would love to be on-site for the construction of a luxurious villa in Hawaii/ Tulum! Whether it’s overseeing the installation of custom-designed interiors, ensuring meticulous landscaping, or integrating smart home technologies, every aspect of creating a luxury villa looks like fun and opportunity for creativity!”

Kosha: “I really wish I could check out the Egyptian pyramid while it was being built and find out its construction techniques. I’ve heard the technology used was way ahead of our time and I would like to discover it!”

Noah: “FSU Student Housing – I would like to see the inside of it in person and compare it to the housing at Purdue!”

Mark: “I honestly like where I am at, 4315 South Congress. I’ve never had the experience on working at a job this big before and I enjoy learning everything that goes into running an operation as big as this one.”

The possibilities are virtually limitless when creative vision is backed by a skilled construction team experienced in executing complex adaptive reuse projects. The benefits extend further than stop at one-of-a-kind living and working environments that merge historic elements with contemporary functionality.

Pursuing adaptive reuse development answers the growing call for sustainable practices that reduce construction waste and reuse building materials. It can also lead to significant cost and time savings compared to ground-up new construction, particularly for properties in prime urban locations. Many municipalities even offer financial incentives like tax credits to incentivize giving old buildings a second life.

As cities become more dense and open land becomes increasingly scarce, adaptive reuse will undoubtedly play an increasingly vital role in meeting the demand for living and working environments.

3. Build Your Network

Industry Connections:

• Attend Events: Participate in real estate conferences, networking events, and industry forums to connect with fellow developers, investors, lenders, and professionals.
• Join Associations: Consider joining real estate associations or professional organizations to expand your network and access resources, education, and opportunities.

Partner with Experts:

• Collaborate with Professionals: Build relationships with architects, engineers, contractors, attorneys, and other industry professionals who can provide expertise and support for your projects.
• Form Partnerships: Explore partnership opportunities with experienced developers or investors who can provide capital, guidance, or joint venture arrangements.

4. Secure Financing

Financial Planning:

• Assess Your Resources: Evaluate your financial capacity, including savings, investments, and access to credit, to determine your funding options. It’s also important to create relationships with banks and lending institutions.
• Create a Budget: Develop a realistic budget for your development projects, considering land acquisition costs, construction expenses, carrying costs, entitlements and permitting, and contingency funds.

Explore Financing Options:

• Traditional Lenders: Approach banks, credit unions, and mortgage lenders to inquire about construction loans, acquisition loans, or lines of credit for real estate development.
• Alternative Financing: Explore alternative sources of financing, such as private lenders, hard money loans, crowdfunding platforms, or syndication.

7. Marketing and Sales

Branding and Promotion:

• Develop a Brand: Create a strong brand identity for your development projects, including names, logos, and marketing materials that resonate with your target audience.
• Marketing Strategies: Implement marketing strategies to generate interest and attract potential buyers or tenants, such as digital marketing campaigns, open houses, and signage.

Sales and Leasing:

• Engage Buyers/Leaseholders: Showcase your properties through effective sales presentations, property tours, and negotiations to secure purchase agreements or lease agreements.
• Close Deals: Work with reputable real estate agents or brokers to facilitate transactions, handle paperwork, and ensure smooth closings.

8. Evaluate and Iterate

Performance Analysis:

• Assess Results: Evaluate the success of your development projects based on length of investment, financial performance, market response, customer satisfaction, and other key metrics.
• Learn from Experience: Identify lessons learned from each project, including successes and challenges, to refine your strategies and improve future developments.

Adaptation and Innovation:

• Adapt to Market Changes: Stay informed about market trends, economic conditions, emerging neighborhoods, and regulatory developments to adapt your strategies accordingly.
• Innovate and Evolve: Embrace innovation, technology, and sustainability practices to differentiate your projects and stay competitive in the real estate market.