Thoughts on Transforming Vacant Spaces

Commercial real estate has always been a bit unpredictable, fluctuating between high demand and empty floors. But post-pandemic? Things changed dramatically. With hybrid work and the slower-than-expected return to offices, an estimated 60% of commercial spaces in cities are now sitting empty or underutilized.

And the consequences? They’re bigger than just landlords feeling the pinch. These vacancies create ripple effects that disrupt neighborhoods in subtle but impactful ways.

Here’s how it plays out:

• Fewer people in these spaces means fewer customers walking into nearby cafes, boutiques, or restaurants. Local businesses take the hit.

• The emptiness inside buildings starts to snowball. A vacant floor here, a tenant leaving there, and suddenly, the whole building feels stagnant.

• Worst of all, this type of vacancy hides in plain sight. You might not see it the way you notice shuttered storefronts, but neighborhoods still feel the energy drain.

Enter Fabrik. At Fabrik, we see opportunity where others see empty space. We’ve made it our mission to transform underused commercial real estate into thriving community hubs, breathing life back into these spaces for everyone’s benefit. Our sweet spot is with spaces that are 5,000 to 8,000 square feet. These are often the most overlooked, but we know what they’re capable of. With a bit of work and vision, they’re turned into vibrant, dynamic spaces that communities can gather in. Each transformation is a triple win:

• For our members:

  These lightweight spaces allow us to offer affordable memberships while still delivering the energy and creativity members expect

• For building tenants

  : Suddenly, their office building is alive again. With Fabrik, we bring programs, events, and a sense of community that’s hard to match

• For local businesses

  : More people coming through means more customers for shops, cafes, and services nearby. (Like our neighbor Fontainhas, you’ve probably already heard about their iconic chai—we’re big fans, too.)

Our mission is also about collaborating with like-minded people and organizations. Two Trees, for instance, has been a natural real estate partnership for us. Their philosophy revolves around thoughtful urban development, focusing on creating multi-use spaces and fostering long-term growth for neighborhoods. It’s a vision that aligns seamlessly with our approach to activating spaces and bringing communities together.

Two Trees is known for working with tenants who add cultural and economic value to the neighborhood. Together, we’ve been able to share our vision, turning unused floors into spaces that build connection, creativity, and a strong sense of place.

There’s more to this work than filling vacant rooms. It’s about creating environments where people feel connected—to each other, to local businesses, and to their city. When these spaces are activated, the energy returns. Buildings regain their purpose, small businesses thrive with increased foot traffic, and everyone benefits.

And at the heart of it all? Connection. It’s not just about occupying space; it’s about weaving together people, ideas, and opportunities. That’s the magic Fabrik brings. We see the untapped potential in these spaces and turn them into something meaningful.

This is the fabric of Fabrik. One space, one community, one transformation at a time.