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Adaptive reuse of magnificent vacant buildings.
'Longfellow Commons in Dayton, Ohio is a great example of the adaptive reuse of a historic school into a housing community. The project involves the conversion of the former Longfellow School campus, originally built in 1892 with several additions over many decades, into housing. The design concept creates a comprehensive renovation that transforms the classrooms and other educational spaces into 40 apartments for residents over the age of 55.
The design preserves many of the original architectural features of the school, such as the large windows, high ceilings, and historic masonry. These features not only add character to the housing units but also maintain the building’s historical significance.
The apartments in Longfellow Commons are designed specifically for the senior population and the development includes many amenities such as an inspiration studio, library, and several lounges. The project also maintains the school’s gymnasium as a fitness center and the auditorium is to be used by both residents and the public as a community theater.'
'Longfellow Commons in Dayton, Ohio is a great example of the adaptive reuse of a historic school into a housing community. The project involves the conversion of the former Longfellow School campus, originally built in 1892 with several additions over many decades, into housing. The design concept creates a comprehensive renovation that transforms the classrooms and other educational spaces into 40 apartments for residents over the age of 55.
The design preserves many of the original architectural features of the school, such as the large windows, high ceilings, and historic masonry. These features not only add character to the housing units but also maintain the building’s historical significance.
The apartments in Longfellow Commons are designed specifically for the senior population and the development includes many amenities such as an inspiration studio, library, and several lounges. The project also maintains the school’s gymnasium as a fitness center and the auditorium is to be used by both residents and the public as a community theater.'
Repurposing decommissioned trains
 | "A French startup is breathing new life into decommissioned trains by transforming them into innovative shelters for the homeless. Once-abandoned subway cars are being converted into warm, private, and dignified living spaces, offering a safe refuge for those without housing. Each refurbished train car includes clean beds, heating, lighting, and essential amenities — providing a secure place to rest and begin rebuilding. The interiors are thoughtfully redesigned for comfort and practicality, featuring insulated walls, individual sleeping pods, and communal areas. While the original structure of the train is preserved, the layout prioritizes privacy and dignity. Stationed near city centers, these mobile shelters remain close to the communities they support, making them easily accessible for those in need. |
PRIME EXAMPLE of EMPTY or UNDERUSED BUILDINGS: I did a little sleuthing and discovered at least 3000 vacant beds in disused prisons, detention centres and facilities with unused bed capacity in Australian states and territories
Facility / Location State/Territory Status Notes
Berrima Gaol NSW Closed (2020)Heritage-listed building, sold to private ownership. Previously operated as a minimum-security facility with a capacity of 75 beds. No longer used for incarceration.
Dhurringile Prison VIC Closed (2024)Rural minimum-security prison, closed in 2024 due to a declining prison population. Had a capacity of approximately 160 beds. Staff are being redeployed to other correctional facilities or offered public service roles.
Ivanhoe (Warakirri) Correctional Centre NSW Closed (2020)Small rural minimum-security prison with a capacity of 55 beds. Ceased operations in 2020.
Berrimah Prison NT Closed (2014) Maximum-security prison with a capacity of 750 beds, replaced by the Darwin Correctional Centre in 2014. Now largely repurposed, with parts used for the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.
Western Plains Prison VIC Built, underused (1,200 beds) State-of-the-art facility near Lara, completed in 2022 at a cost of $1.19 billion. Largely empty since construction, with plans to house 600 prisoners by mid-2025, transitioning from Port Phillip Prison. Full capacity of 1,248 beds remains significantly underutilized.
Port Phillip Prison VIC Closing by end of 2025 (1,087 beds)Maximum-security prison in Melbourne’s west, privately operated by G4S. Scheduled to close by December 2025, with inmates transferring to Western Plains Prison. Capacity of 1,087 beds will be vacant upon closure.
Clarence Correctional Centre (unused section) NSW Vacant since 2022 (400 beds)A 400-bed section of this facility, adjacent to the active prison near Grafton, has been unused since 2022. The active section has a capacity of 1,700 beds and remains operational.
Nauru Regional Processing Centre (RPC) Nauru (external territory) In use (approx. 100 held) Australia retains legal responsibility for this offshore detention facility. Designed for flexibility, current capacity is unclear but houses around 100 detainees. Historically, it has had a capacity of up to 1,200, suggesting potential unused capacity depending on current operations.
Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre Christmas Island (external territory) In use (up to 2,724 beds) Regular operating capacity of 1,094 beds, with a contingency capacity of up to 2,724 beds. In 2010, it held 2,200–2,300 detainees at its peak. Current usage is lower, indicating significant unused capacity, though exact numbers are unavailable without recent data.
Facility / Location State/Territory Status Notes
Berrima Gaol NSW Closed (2020)Heritage-listed building, sold to private ownership. Previously operated as a minimum-security facility with a capacity of 75 beds. No longer used for incarceration.
Dhurringile Prison VIC Closed (2024)Rural minimum-security prison, closed in 2024 due to a declining prison population. Had a capacity of approximately 160 beds. Staff are being redeployed to other correctional facilities or offered public service roles.
Ivanhoe (Warakirri) Correctional Centre NSW Closed (2020)Small rural minimum-security prison with a capacity of 55 beds. Ceased operations in 2020.
Berrimah Prison NT Closed (2014) Maximum-security prison with a capacity of 750 beds, replaced by the Darwin Correctional Centre in 2014. Now largely repurposed, with parts used for the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.
Western Plains Prison VIC Built, underused (1,200 beds) State-of-the-art facility near Lara, completed in 2022 at a cost of $1.19 billion. Largely empty since construction, with plans to house 600 prisoners by mid-2025, transitioning from Port Phillip Prison. Full capacity of 1,248 beds remains significantly underutilized.
Port Phillip Prison VIC Closing by end of 2025 (1,087 beds)Maximum-security prison in Melbourne’s west, privately operated by G4S. Scheduled to close by December 2025, with inmates transferring to Western Plains Prison. Capacity of 1,087 beds will be vacant upon closure.
Clarence Correctional Centre (unused section) NSW Vacant since 2022 (400 beds)A 400-bed section of this facility, adjacent to the active prison near Grafton, has been unused since 2022. The active section has a capacity of 1,700 beds and remains operational.
Nauru Regional Processing Centre (RPC) Nauru (external territory) In use (approx. 100 held) Australia retains legal responsibility for this offshore detention facility. Designed for flexibility, current capacity is unclear but houses around 100 detainees. Historically, it has had a capacity of up to 1,200, suggesting potential unused capacity depending on current operations.
Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre Christmas Island (external territory) In use (up to 2,724 beds) Regular operating capacity of 1,094 beds, with a contingency capacity of up to 2,724 beds. In 2010, it held 2,200–2,300 detainees at its peak. Current usage is lower, indicating significant unused capacity, though exact numbers are unavailable without recent data.
Prisons Turned into Youth Hostels and Hotels - Accommodation
 Click for the story and many more examples |  Abandoned Melbourne Prison to become a hotel |
