Conversion Therapy: Turning Old Factories Into Glam Homes

By Colleen Kane

When factories are no longer factories, these sturdy structures of antique brick and beam can be converted for many new uses. With regularity they are turned into hotels, office space, shopping centers, restaurants, clubs, cultural and performance centers, and many additional innovative uses.

One of the most common reuses for old factory buildings is private residences, either single-family or as multiple family loft complexes. Many benefits make this use so appealing: Factories have space and light galore, they feature exposed brick and wood, or steel-beam rustic charm while still adapting quite well to modern decor. As generations of creative people can attest, revamped industrial spaces also work great as combined work and studio space. And finally, the sheer amount of raw space, when purchased in need of overhaul, can be a bargain for the enterprising purchaser.

The following sites where products like candy, garments, soap or mayonnaise were made are now places where lives are lived. While this trend has long been associated with New York, these stunning examples are from around the globe.

For more factory conversions not shown below, see CNBC's entire gallery.

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