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Many urban areas promote the concept of working where you live, or living where you work, to simplify your life. But what does that mean when you’re buying real estate?
The main difference is in zoning requirements and building codes. Those that are primarily zoned as residential offer fewer options for commercial enterprises. Those zoned for industry often appear in areas of urban renewal where former warehouse conversions offer work-spaces and lifestyle lofts.
When historic buildings go through the renewal process, they are often repurposed as living space with attached retail. For example, creating occupancy areas that otherwise would decay into disuse sometimes allows for relaxed residential standards that let artists and musicians enjoy higher sound levels or use of solvents that new construction zoning and code requirements would not allow.
Who Occupies Live-Work Properties?
Often, communities of artists or musicians join forces to live in joint, workspace facilities. Some urban centers have created “Artists’ Projection Zones” that impose rent controls, property price-increase limitations and other restrictions to create affordable living and working space for artists. These locales determine occupancy based on adherence to specific rules of their artistic endeavors.
Other live-work spaces appeal to business start-ups and entrepreneurs. These spaces develop an incubator atmosphere where the lack of commute inhibits the interruption of ideal flow. Some interdependent industries share the same space to reduce the need to ship product or services outside the facility.
Telecommuters and virtual employees fit better into the residential live-work facilities. Often, these buildings offer high-speed internet, access to shipping and delivery services and community spaces to gather for a meal or socializing.
Whether it’s a studio above a store-front, converted warehouse, or repurposed factory, if you thrive in an energetic and industrious atmosphere, a life-work space may be right for you. When seeking a live-work space, let your real estate agent know what you’re looking for so that you find that perfect situation.
About the Author
Carolyn Andrews
Carolyn Andrews has over 30 years licensed Brokerage experience in both California and Colorado. Born in England, Carolyn moved to California in 1980, then relocated to Denver, Colorado in 1991. Carolyn has also received recognition for Top Sales at RE/MAX Alliance Aurora in 2007-2008 and is a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Chairman’s Club, as well as a recipient of the ReMax Lifetime Achievement Award. Carolyn has sold over 2000 homes personally in her career. Carolyn has been actively involved in many aspects of the Real Estate business including investment property, luxury homes, mountain resort property, skiin/ski out, REO/default management, loss mitigation, valuations, and disposition. She has been a speaker and panelist at several conferences and has been consulted on many occasions by various organizations in the REO/financial industries for her expertise and served on many boards. She has attended numerous ongoing classes to stay abreast of changes in the ever-evolving Real Estate industry. She is the prior State Director for Colorado for VAREP(Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals). She is a member of 3 boards of Realtors including Metro Denver, Colorado Springs and Summit County mountain areas. She heads up The Andrews Group and is or has been an active member of NAR, CAR,REOMAC, CIPS, CRS, AREAA, NAPW, NAHREP, and is an original member of the ELITEReal Estate network. She was ranked #1 for most homes sold in Denver 2007 by Denver Board of Realtors, #2 for 2008, and #2 for 2009, #5 in 2010 and #4 in 2011 and has been consistently in the top 10 ever since. Carolyn Andrews has been a top rated Endorsed Local Provider for the Dave Ramsey Organization and also a Top Producing agent for 2018 for the Homelight Company.
