Repurposing Commercial Spaces with Matterport Scan to CAD. From Vacancy to Vision

How Commercial Real Estate Professionals Can Adapt and Thrive with Digital Twin Technology

The commercial real estate landscape has shifted dramatically over the past few years. Remote work, hybrid models, and evolving business needs have left many office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial properties sitting underutilized. This poses a challenge—but also a significant opportunity for forward-thinking commercial real estate professionals. One of the most effective ways to repurpose commercial space is through Matterport 3D scanning and CAD conversion.

The Challenge: A Surplus of Space with Uncertain Demand

Many buildings that once housed thriving office spaces, retail centers, or industrial operations are now struggling to find tenants. With companies downsizing office footprints and e-commerce reshaping retail, property owners are left with an important question: What can we do with all this space?

The Solution: Matterport Scan to CAD for Space Planning and Repurposing

Rather than allowing space to sit vacant, commercial real estate professionals can leverage digital twin technology to evaluate, market, and repurpose properties effectively. Matterport 3D scans provide an immersive digital walkthrough, while CAD conversion enables architects, designers, and developers to analyze and redesign spaces with precision.

1. Office-to-Residential Conversions

With high office vacancy rates, converting commercial buildings into residential units has become a popular strategy, particularly in urban centers. Repurposing commercial space for residential use can be streamlined using Matterport Scan to CAD, which delivers accurate spatial data for feasibility studies, layout modifications, and zoning applications.

• Benefits: Helps address housing shortages, particularly for workforce housing.
• Challenges: Zoning restrictions, structural modifications, and financing hurdles.
• Considerations: Adaptive reuse tax incentives and public-private partnerships can help make projects viable.

2. Co-Working and Flexible Office Spaces

Instead of long-term leases, companies are opting for flexible spaces that accommodate hybrid work models. Matterport scans provide potential tenants with virtual access to available spaces, and CAD conversion enables designers to optimize layouts for shared work environments.

• Benefits: Meets demand for short-term and shared office solutions.
• Challenges: Requires reconfiguring layouts for shared amenities and private meeting spaces.
• Considerations: Partnering with co-working brands like WeWork or launching an independent model.

3. Retail-to-Experience Centers

Brick-and-mortar retail has evolved beyond transactions—it’s now about experiences. 3D scans allow stakeholders to visualize repurposing opportunities, whether for showrooms, pop-up spaces, or entertainment venues. CAD files provide the data needed for build-out designs and tenant improvements.

• Examples: Showrooms, pop-up spaces, entertainment venues, fitness centers.
• Benefits: Attracts foot traffic and increases engagement.
• Considerations: Stronger alignment with digital channels for omnichannel retailing.

4. Industrial & Warehouse Space for Logistics and E-Commerce

The rise of e-commerce has created a surge in demand for fulfillment centers, last-mile distribution hubs, and cold storage. Matterport’s digital twins enable logistics providers to assess space suitability remotely, while CAD conversion helps optimize warehouse layouts for automation and storage efficiency.

• Benefits: High demand from logistics providers, steady rental income.
• Challenges: Zoning adjustments, retrofitting for modern logistics needs.
• Considerations: Proximity to major transportation routes is key.

5. Life Sciences, Healthcare, and Biotech Spaces

Many traditional office and retail spaces can be converted into medical offices, labs, or research facilities. Matterport scanning provides an accurate virtual assessment of space, and CAD files allow architects and engineers to plan for critical upgrades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

• Benefits: Growing demand for healthcare and biotech real estate.
• Challenges: HVAC, plumbing, and electrical upgrades for specialized needs.
• Considerations: Working with local healthcare networks to secure tenants.

6. Adaptive Reuse for Community & Mixed-Use Spaces

Incorporating mixed-use elements—such as residential, retail, and entertainment—can help breathe new life into struggling properties. Matterport scans offer an engaging way to showcase the potential of a mixed-use development, while CAD conversion supports space planning and zoning compliance.

• Benefits: Diversifies tenant mix and increases foot traffic.
• Challenges: Requires creative financing and mixed-zoning approvals.
• Considerations: Public-private collaboration can help fund projects.

How Commercial Real Estate Professionals Can Lead the Change with Matterport Scan to CAD

1. Reevaluate Property Portfolios – Identify properties with conversion potential and use 3D scans to showcase their possibilities.
2. Engage with City Planners – Zoning laws may need to change to allow for repurposing. Providing accurate CAD data can support zoning applications and approval processes.
3. Market with a New Narrative – Position properties not just as vacant space but as an opportunity for businesses, communities, and investors to reimagine their use with immersive digital experiences.

By integrating Matterport Scan to CAD technology into commercial real estate strategies, professionals can unlock new revenue streams, drive economic growth, and future-proof their portfolios in an ever-changing landscape.