Meet California’s Hotspots for Apartments Under Conversion From Offices

The trend of transforming non-residential spaces into apartments has surged across the U.S. in recent years, with a notable uptick in apartments converted from offices. Between 2021 and 2024, the leap from 12,100 to a staggering 55,300 apartments scheduled for this type of conversion highlights the growing popularity of adaptive reuse projects. Currently, office makeovers account for 38% of the 147,000 apartments set for transformation, showing a major change in how we think about outdated buildings.

So, what makes these apartments stand out to renters? One major reason is that most adaptive reuse projects skillfully mix the old with the new, giving these converted rental apartments a touch of historical charm. Renters get to live in unique places that marry architectural beauty with modern amenities, making their living experience way better than what you’d find in a typical apartment.

This trend is all about giving neglected or outdated office buildings a second chance, all while meeting the growing demand for housing — especially in places like California, where the shortage of rental options remains a pressing issue. With that being said, let’s take a closer look at the top three California metros that are pushing the pedal on the office-to-apartment conversions trend.

Los Angeles leads the charge in office-to-apartment conversions in California

In 2024, the Los Angeles metro area leads California with a total of 2,442 apartments being transformed from former office spaces, highlighting its position as a forerunner in adapting to the growing need for housing units.

The largest adaptive reuse project underway is located at 695 South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles’ iconic Koreatown neighborhood, which is anticipated to introduce 255 apartments merging the city’s dynamic urban essence with fresh living spaces.

This significant transformation of the former 18-story high-rise office tower into a residential building is part of a broader trend in major cities where office buildings are being repurposed into apartments, a shift driven in part by changes in work habits such as the increase in remote work due to the pandemic.

San Diego is embracing the office-to-apartment conversion trend with open arms

Trailing Los Angeles yet significantly impacting the adaptive reuse landscape, San Diego metro has a total of 489 apartments being converted from offices this year. Here as well, this movement toward adaptive reuse apartments represents a critical step in addressing the stark need for housing in the area.

The pinnacle of this effort is the transformation of 101 Ash Street in central San Diego, which is poised to create 393 apartments. This initiative is a response to the city’s call for ideas on how to reimagine public land, and it comes from a La Jolla, CA-based real estate company.

The 101 Ash Street building is also part of the Civic Center redevelopment in San Diego, which includes several city-owned properties. Such projects showcase the metro’s commitment to innovative solutions for urban living, making apartments in San Diego an appealing option for renters seeking a mix of new vibes and old-school cool.

San Francisco is also keen on turning outdated offices into fresh apartments

With 150 new apartments on track to emerge from repurposing old office spaces, the San Francisco Bay Area showcases its commitment to creating new apartments amid a dire lack of housing. The transformation of 6001 Shellmound Street in Emeryville — nestled between Oakland and Berkley, less than 15 minutes from San Francisco — is on track to create 100 new apartments. This project caters to renters seeking apartments in the San Francisco Bay Area that offer something beyond the conventional, integrating the area’s character with the convenience of modern living.

In fact, this adaptive reuse project is very much in line with Emeryville’s own transformation story. The city has evolved from a once post-industrial wasteland into a lively suburban spot known for its shopping centers and biotech firms, as well as the home of Pixar Animation Studios.

As these California metros dive into the trend of turning offices into brand-new apartments, they’re also providing a sneak peek at what urban living could look like down the line. Besides offering a solution to the demand for apartments, these adaptive reuse projects give renters the opportunity to live in spaces that are as unique as their lifestyles.

So, whether you’re drawn to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, the coastal charm of San Diego, or the historic allure of San Francisco, your ideal apartment could be waiting in one of these transformed buildings. Feeling the call of New York? Check out the Empire State hotspots for apartments being converted from former offices.