Reusing vacant homes and buildings on government property is a challenge for many local government leaders, but successful reuse can have a positive economic impact and help build community partnerships. When Karen Walz- Fuentes, Partnership Developer from Fairfax County, Va. asked Knowledge Network users about this issue a few months ago, the responses reflected low cost, practical solutions by several local governments. See the original question posted on Feb 3rd and Feb 14th.

Roderick Wood advises verifying home and building requirements for terms of reuse of property when considering non-government use. In the absence of a property real estate department, the city may need to contract with a property management firm that can serve as liaison for leasing, management and all contact with tenants. To avoid unnecessary expenses and controversy, he also suggests checking the state and local laws to understand the rights of tenants who are being asked to vacate the property. However Mr. Wood also points out that a good solution in these tough times maybe to simply lower the rent, thereby helping tenants and still garnering income from the property.

Mark Abeles- Allison, Bayfield, Wis. County Administrator writes about a former Agricultural Experiment Station that was returned to the county and reused as an energy resource center by a non-profit. The county had issued Requests for Proposals, and the non-profit agreed to lease the property for five years. Activities and use for the property are specific to the scope and mission of the non-profit.

One respondent shared a news article discussing the conversion of a defunct police station into a “technology incubator” in Econdido, Calif. The technology incubator not only helps to build Econdido’s reputation as a supporter of start-ups and tech companies, but also allows the city to make use of the vacant property until the market improves. The city also benefits as the tech incubator attracts skilled professionals and higher paying jobs to Econdido. The agreement allows city officials to shorten the lease to three years if “a more appealing opportunity” is presented for the centrally located property.

A case study shared in response to the question describes how the City of Avondale, Ariz. converted an unused building into the Care1st Avondale Resource and Housing Center for the community. The Housing Center is the winner of the Alliance for Innovation’s 2011 Innovation Award, as it illustrates the benefits of local partnerships to residents, the city, and the private Care1st Health Plan Arizona.  The old library was converted to an incubator for much needed community service agencies and non-profits. While the city manages the Resource Center, the office space, supplies, and internet access are provided to the organizations at no charge. Care1st bears the operating costs and maintenance of the building. Care1st is also able to increase its visibility by having its name on the building and making a reputation in the community while residents of the low income area are able to access health services and programs and use the Center as a meeting space.  

Several additional articles and case studies on the Knowledge Network highlight ways in which local governments have successfully tackled the issue of vacant properties:

• City of Hickory, N.C. Operation No Vacancy program improves customer service for private developers and people interested in investing in the city center while also channeling investment into unused buildings through the Vacant Building Grant program.
• An ICMA article describing Richmond, Va. Vacant Building Registry program that allows the city to closely “monitor code compliance and enforcement” to avoid blight and degradation of the neighborhood.
• The article, Revitalizing Vacant Properties and Substandard Buildings compares contrasting market environments and provides practical management strategies to mitigate vacant property effects.
• The Opportunities of Military Base Reuse and the Costs of Environmental Remediation: Lessons from BRAC Practitioners, an ICMA publication that discusses the challenges in military base clean up and reuse from the perspectives of the Base Reuse Consortium.   
• The City of Davenport, Iowa’s Green City Initiative stresses adapting vacant downtown warehouses to encourage investment in the city and avoid urban sprawl.