They also usually have space for drop ceilings for exactly this reason.
It’s true that the $/sq ft value of post-conversion will be lower than pre-conversion but the idea that the building is negative value is nonsense. Sell each floor as a single unit unrentable condo for $1M, and let the new occupant put whatever floor plan they want in.
Office buildings have very few structural walls because companies frequently change floor plans.
Most of the articles I’ve seen saying the above is hard assume that building that the current owners of the buildings must turn a profit.
Similarly, they assume building codes are immutable. The buildings have safe fire exit routes, and adequate light. So, relax window requirements for individual rooms on the condition that each unit’s perimeter is at least N% window.
