Of course, some developers see this as a plus.

"A really strong developer sees opportunity where others don't," he said.

The developer had seen it and had been glad to do a deal.

"Architects and developers see this as a great laboratory to be creative," he said.

Even the developers of the software see the problem.

"The extent of the damage was too much for a regular family to take on," she said, "but I knew developers would see the possibilities."

But developers see it as a whole new housing market out here.

Some developers see such space as the future of old industrial buildings.

"Every developer in town sees this mile as prime developing area," he said.

One developer also sees this as the right time to add research and development space to the market, along with offices.