Integrating control rooms into existing infrastructure, particularly in historical or heavily equipped settings like stadiums and broadcast centers, presents unique challenges. This paper examines strategies for addressing these challenges, focusing on flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Retrofitting control rooms often involves navigating existing infrastructure layers, with long distances for video, audio, and control signal transmission. Utilizing pre-existing dark fiber networks in modern venues offers a practical solution by repurposing infrastructure to meet evolving technological needs. Incrementally adopting advanced protocols like ST 2110 can mitigate the costs and disruptions of full network overhauls. This approach benefits from distributed routing solutions, which provide a decentralized, compact alternative to traditional core routers, reducing cabling needs and infrastructure modifications. We will review recent implementations of distributed versus centralized systems, analyzing cost savings, space optimization, and operational efficiency. The paper will highlight how distributed systems' flexibility supports transitioning to ST 2110 and preparing for future advancements, emphasizing the importance of a strategic, incremental approach.