Adaptive Reuse can be conventionally defined as "the process of adapting old structures for new purposes."

IDA incentives may be provided to an Adaptive Reuse Project that involves adapting old structures or sites for new purposes, including potentially a mix of business and commercial uses. An Adpative Reuse Project is one that will benefit the Lancaster area as well as Erie County by redeveloping a blighted site or structure, creating new economic activity and helping to maintain a neighborhoods' vitality.