As society evolves and buildings are no longer needed for their original purpose, investors are renovating these structures — empty office towers, lifeless malls and out-of-commission schools — to meet the rising demand for housing.

• The latest trend to take off in Charlotte: motels.
• Converting motels into housing is a fast and relatively cheap process, making it attractive to both the public and private sectors.

Why it matters: The city of Charlotte wants to trim the number of motels in high-crime areas, specifically the dozen at the Sugar Creek and I-85 corridor.

• Plus: Lack of affordable housing is one of the city's greatest challenges.

The big picture: Companies like Sage Investment Group and Vivo Living found a niche after the hotel industry was beaten down by the pandemic.

• "In the post-COVID era, more people don't want roommates,'" Sage founding partner Emily Hubbard says. "The demand is just insane."

Driving the news: Sage Investment Group expects to turn the Rodeway Inn and Speedway Inn into about 200 to 215 micro-housing units over the next 12 to 18 months.

• Another company, Vivo Living, recently purchased the Extended Stay America hotels on Yorkmont Road and East McCullough Drive.

Yes, but: Families and children often seek shelter in these types of economy hotels. Redevelopment plans can displace them.

By the numbers: Vivo Living reports their rents are 10% to 20% below comparable properties in the market. On average, Vivo can upfit a property in six months.

• Sage's units aren't much more than 300 square feet, but the company builds out a full kitchen in each. The company also turns hotel amenities into game rooms and gyms for residents.

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What's the best way to start the day before leading the state's largest district attorney's office? Perhaps, a little Wordle.

• I recently caught up with District Attorney Spencer Merriweather at his office. As we like to do with our city's leaders, I asked what his morning looks like.

⏰ Wake up: Depends, but usually by 5:30am.

📲 First thing he does: Types "Trace" into Wordle. It's his opening word. He's on a 50-plus day winning streak.

• Then he plays Connections and Spelling Bee.
• After that, he reads some news, including Axios. (👋 Hi, DA Merriweather!)

☕️ Breakfast: Coffee.

💨 Workout: Always a morning walk with his 13-year-old pitbull-boxer mix. He tries to get to the Y for an hour and a half, either in the morning or afternoon.

🏠 Family time: Before heading to work, he catches a few minutes of "Gabby's Dollhouse" with their 4-year-old daughter and touches base with his wife.

A Bravo reality TV star introduced an influencer-friendly gym to the South End area last month.

The vibe: Core24 is an open gym designed for connection and creativity, owner Kory Keefer tells Axios. (You might recognize Keefer from Bravo's "Winter House.")

• Keefer wants Core24 to be somewhere members interact and feel pumped up as soon as they walk in.

What to expect: Loud music (you won't need headphones), bright lighting and rotating artwork, which Keefer designed.

• The gym has weightlifting and cardio equipment, an artificial turf area and locker rooms.
• With a flagship in Greenville, S.C., and another location in Seneca, near Clemson, S.C., Core24 gained popularity for being a content gym — somewhere fitness enthusiasts can document their workouts.

💭 My thought bubble: Tripping over tripods has emerged as one of the most common pet peeves amongst some modern-day gym-goers — perhaps surpassing not re-racking weights or wiping down equipment.

• Whether it makes you cringe or you couldn't care less, at least there's now a place that embraces recording for those who want it.

📍 2320 Toomey Ave.

⏰ Open: Monday-Thursday 5am-11pm, Friday 5am-9pm, Saturday 7am-9pm and Sunday 9am-9pm.

💸 Memberships are $125 and are month-to-month.

See it on Instagram

💼 See current open positions on our Job Board.

1. Essay Specialist at Charlotte Latin School.
2. Director of Student Communications at Central Piedmont Community College.
3. Music Program Director & Student Success Advisor at Piedmont School of Music and Dance.
4. Administrative Assistant II, Office of Academic Affairs at Queens University of Charlotte.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

Schreiber's on Rye, a New York-style deli, is now open in Optimist Hall. It's the newest tenant for the popular food hall.

The menu: Chef Larry Schreiber, who also owns Bao and Broth in Optimist Hall, will serve a taste of his childhood in New York City with dishes like pastrami on rye, matzo ball soup and Coney Island knish.

📍 1115 N Brevard St., in the former Xiao Bao Biscuit stand.

⏰ Open: Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm.

🏗 The Centre South developer says construction won't start for another 18 months at the former Strawn Cottages site. (WFAE)

⛲️ The McColl Park team will reveal three potential designs for the former Polk Park during an open house on Thursday, Jan. 18. (Eventbrite)

🏈 The Panthers ended the season Sunday 2-15, the second-worst winning percentage in the team's 29-season history. (WBTV)

Vice President Kamala Harris is coming to Charlotte this Thursday to discuss gun violence. (WBTV)

We have 19 events in our weekday planner for those looking for things to do this week. Some standouts:

✍️ Learn the art of calligraphy on Monday and write out your new year mantra with SkillPop. Class is $30.

🐶 Quiz your dog knowledge at Skiptown's trivia Tuesday. Free for members or $15 for non-members.

🏀 Cheer on the Charlotte Hornets Wednesday in their home match against the Sacramento Kings. Tickets start at $16.

🍷Fans of wine and spirits will network at The Dunhill Hotel this Thursday. The event is free.

🌮 Spice up lunch Friday with the tequila tasting at Puerta. Tickets are $95.

Full weekday planner