As the pandemic recedes, many cities grapple with two key challenges: A shortage of housing units, and an oversupply of office space. In turn, the mismatch between supply and demand for urban offices and homes contributes to municipal tax shortfalls and income inequality and limits economic growth, productivity growth, and economic mobility.

Ideally, empty office buildings should be converted into in-demand housing units. How feasible are such conversions?

Steven Paynter is a Principal at Gensler, a global architecture, design, and planning firm. Over the past two years, Steven analyzed the potential conversion of 300 office buildings across North America.

Join the event for a conversation about the history and future of office-to-residential conversions: When do they make sense? What do they entail? What are some common pitfalls and opportunities? And to what extent can such conversions address urban housing shortages?