Adaptive reuse is viewed as a key factor in the rejuvenation of historic or older structures and land. But there's another "green" aspect of the process that makes adaptive reuse resonate even more with facility owners: It can save money. Case in point is Splash Swim School in Walnut Creek, Calif., which was constructed for a cool $1 million.
Click to enlargeThe work of ELS Architecture and Urban Design of Berkeley, Calif., and Carlsbad, Calif.-based consultant Aquatic Design Group, it's also a cool concept — Splash was created in the shell of a 1920s-era auto garage, the exterior of which was then renovated and landscaped in consideration of the city's longer-term goals for a neighborhood transitioning from light industrial to mixed use. Featuring 5,834 square feet devoted to a shallow warm-water pool, showers, changing rooms and a parent viewing area, Splash is now a place where swim teachers and kids can go into overdrive.
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