Adaptive Reuse: Revitalizing Communities and Infrastructure with EV Charging 

Adaptive reuse has gained traction in the architecture and urban planning world in recent years – just consider the amount of former industrial and factory spaces that have gained a second life as residential lofts and office spaces. In fact, according to RentCafe, almost 2,000 old buildings have been converted into apartments in the last 70 years, including around 800 in the past decade alone. There’s good business sense to repurposing existing structures in today’s post-pandemic era, with new construction costs still significantly elevated due to material costs, labor shortages and supply chain issues, among other factors. As more and more industries evolve and change to need less physical space, industrial buildings are ripe for repurposing.  

Retail is one sector that has seen significant shifts, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and changing consumer habits. Many large retailers have reduced their physical footprints, leaving behind vacant anchor stores, excess parking areas, and underutilized commercial spaces. Instead of allowing these properties to sit empty, they present a prime opportunity for adaptive reuse—specifically, as EV charging hubs. 

The Business Case for Repurposing Retail Spaces into EV Charging Plazas 

Converting underutilized retail spaces into EV charging destinations makes sense from both a financial and urban planning perspective. Here’s why: 

1. Existing Infrastructure Advantage: Many former retail sites already have access to power infrastructure, making them well-suited for EV charging installations without requiring extensive utility upgrades. 

2. Strategic Locations: Malls, shopping centers, and big-box retail stores were originally built in high-traffic areas with easy access to highways and major roads—ideal for drivers needing convenient charging options. 

3. Revitalization and Revenue Generation: EV charging hubs can breathe new life into vacant spaces by attracting a steady flow of visitors, which in turn benefits surrounding businesses. 

4. Synergistic Amenities: Adding cafes, coworking spaces, or retail pop-ups alongside charging stations enhances the user experience, encouraging longer dwell times and additional revenue streams. 

5. Sustainability and Incentives: Redeveloping existing sites for EV infrastructure aligns with sustainability goals and may qualify for federal, state, or utility incentives that support clean energy investments. 

Transforming Vacant Retail Spaces into EV Charging Hubs 

There are several ways property owners and developers can repurpose empty commercial spaces into profitable charging destinations: 

• Anchor Store Conversions: Large vacant stores, such as former department stores, can be reimagined as mixed-use EV hubs, integrating fast-charging stations with amenities like lounges, coffee shops, or micro-retail spaces. 

• Excess Parking Utilization: Many shopping centers have oversized parking lots designed for peak retail traffic that is no longer consistent. These lots can be repurposed into EV charging stations without compromising available parking for existing tenants. 

• Brownfield Redevelopment: Some retail sites may have been abandoned due to economic and environmental remediation shifts. With proper remediation, these sites can be transformed into EV-friendly zones, adding value to surrounding areas. 

Future-Proofing Commercial Real Estate 

With EV adoption continuing to grow, property owners who invest in charging infrastructure today position themselves for long-term revenue opportunities. Cities and developers who embrace adaptive reuse will not only benefit financially but also contribute to the broader goal of expanding EV accessibility. 

By repurposing underutilized retail spaces into EV charging hubs, commercial real estate owners can turn vacancy into viability—creating destinations that serve the needs of modern drivers while revitalizing communities in the process. 

Unlock new revenue potential for your underutilized site. Lynkwell’s experts can help you transform vacant spaces into thriving EV charging destinations. Contact us today to get started.