Economy, green energy interest turn auto showrooms into places for skateboards, artwork, yoga
By Julie Carr Smyth, APSunday, December 27, 2009
Showrooms find new life as places to play, learn
COLUMBUS, Ohio — As auto showrooms close nationwide, schools, day care centers, stores and other activities are filling some of the void.
An art college in Columbus, Ohio. A yoga studio in Los Angeles. A food bank warehouse in Oregon. Each has taken over one of the windowed, boxy spaces that used to tease passers-by with the view of shiny cars.
Architects and historians say depressed real estate values and enthusiasm for green energy are contributing to a high level of interest in reusing showrooms. The showrooms are especially sturdy, naturally lit and often ideally located in high-traffic areas.
U.S. auto sales fell to a 26-year low in 2009, and General Motors and Chrysler shed dealerships as they struggled in the bad economy.
