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The Santander Tower in downtown Dallas, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. One option companies are doing to combat the changes, is to convert office space into residential housing.

As offices sit empty and housing costs soar, some Texas developers are converting workspaces into apartments

Not every downtown high-rise is a good fit for an office-to-housing conversion, but some officials and developers see benefits in turning unused space into new residential units.


VIP Opening Night reception at SXSW Lobby + Rooftop at Texas Tribune Festival on Sept. 21, 2023.
The Houston skyline on Dec. 17, 2018.
A parklet with diners outside of City Tavern along Elm Street in downtown Dallas near the Santander Tower, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. One option companies are doing to combat the changes, is to convert office space into residential housing.
Sara Terry, left, with Pacific Elm Properties, and Katy Slade, founder of Mintwood RealEstate, conduct a tour of residential spaces at the Santander Tower in downtown Dallas, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. To combat the changes, companies are converting office space into residential housing.
A view of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge from The Tower Club on the 48th floor of the Santander Tower in downtown Dallas, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. One option companies are doing to combat the changes, is to convert office space into residential housing.
Downtown Dallas shown from inside the lobby at the Santander Tower in downtown Dallas, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. One option companies are doing to combat the changes, is to convert office space into residential housing.
A one bedroom apartment inside Santander Tower in downtown Dallas, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. To combat the changes, companies are converting office space into residential housing.
Waitress Cynthia Encinas, left, opens curtains as she prepares for diners at The Tower Club on the 48th floor of the Santander Tower in downtown Dallas, on Nov. 07, 2023. Texas metros have a glut of vacant offices space driven by the rise of remote work, overbuilding and other factors during the pandemic. One option companies are doing to combat the changes, is to convert office space into residential housing.

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