The Boston Society of Architects (BSA) has announced a new guidebook on how the Cape and Islands can create more affordable housing by reusing existing buildings.

What Is Adaptive Reuse? Practical Solutions for the Cape and Islands, was developed in partnership with housing advocates in the region, and will be released on June 15. It is intended as a resource for property owners, designers, planners, developers, and others to navigate the process of creating affordable housing through adaptive reuse.

“Grounded in projects from across the region, it will highlight replicable strategies, cost considerations, regulatory pathways, and financing approaches that make reuse a viable and effective housing tool on the Cape & Islands,” according to the announcement.

The 2024 Affordable Homes Act established a Seasonal Communities designation, which aims to address the unique housing challenges in communities with largely seasonal economies and housing markets. “At the same time, many underused buildings, including former schools, commercial properties, and large homes, may offer opportunities for housing creation,” the BSA announcement states.

A guidebook launch and virtual presentation is scheduled for June 15 at 12PM. (Click here to register.) An in-person presentation and tour is also scheduled for July 16 at 5:30PM at the Old Bank Street Firehouse in Harwich. (To register for the in-person event, click here.)