The Push for Conversions in Maryland and Northern VA 

Montgomery County Incentivizes Office-to-Residential Conversions 

With office vacancy rates climbing and housing demand surging, jurisdictions like Montgomery County are making bold moves to incentivize office-to-residential conversions. These projects bring new life to underutilized properties and address urgent housing needs, all while offering long-term tax and community benefits. 
 
These moves signal a growing demand for those who understand the complexity and the potential for adaptive reuse. 

Perks of Conversion include: 

• Expedited approval process
• PILOT would exempt 100% of real property tax that would otherwise be levied for a period of 20 years  
• Opportunity to enhance the community with housing and amenities in place of vacant offices 

Learn more about Montgomery County’s incentivizes for office-to-residential conversions here.

Northern Virginia Updates Zoning Amendments to Help Push Conversions 

Across Northern Virginia, local governments are rethinking how to make the most of outdated office space, and Arlington is leading the charge. Through its Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative (CMRI), the county has approved new zoning amendments that make office-to-residential conversions faster, more viable, and more aligned with long-term community goals. 
 
From streamlining approvals to embracing adaptive reuse, Arlington’s approach opens new doors for redevelopment that brings lasting value to neighborhoods. 

Learn more about Arlington’s latest policy shift and what it means for the future of adaptive reuse/conversions here.

Chesapeake’s Experience in Conversions and Adaptive Reuse 

 
CCG Residential’s Elms at Fells Point is a prime example of what’s possible when you reimagine the potential of existing structures. Once home to the American Can Company’s factory and warehouse, with an adjacent lot historically used for oyster and fruit packing, coal, and wood yards, this Baltimore site was transformed into a vibrant residential community, earning a Silver Award in the Adaptive Reuse/Redevelopment category from the National Association of Home Builders. 
 
This is the power of conversion: it preserves history, meets modern demand, and builds what’s next. We’re ready to collaborate with forward-thinking developers to transform idle buildings into purposeful places that serve today’s needs and support tomorrow’s communities.