Why warehouse conversions are sweeping the globe
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/10/26/world/industrial-renovation-one-square-meter/index.html
It's a good idea to use unused warehouses. But, we have to pay attention to durability against earthquake. As is often the case with an old building, it doesn't meet construction criteria.
So, in some cases, it costs a lot to strengthen the durability to meet the current criteria.
That would be the most important thing when using an old warehouse.