While adaptive reuse is full of promise, it’s not always simple. Cities and developers often face obstacles such as outdated zoning codes, accessibility or seismic requirements, and higher upfront costs for renovations. In some cases, environmental hazards like asbestos or lead paint must be addressed before work can even begin.

California's housing crisis has prompted innovative solutions to increase housing availability and revitalize underutilized spaces. One such approach involves transforming existing structures and areas—like parking lots, vacant retail spaces, and shopping malls—into mixed-use developments that incorporate residential units. A notable example is the recent proposal for the Simi Valley Town Center.