Revitalizing Malls: A New Era of Mixed-Use Developments

The Arcade Mall in Providence, Rhode Island, is a prime example of how historic indoor shopping malls can be repurposed to meet the growing demand for housing. By converting the space into 48 micro-lofts, ranging from 250 square feet, on the second and third floors, developers have given new life to the previously vacant building. This trend is not unique to Providence, as nearly 34 million square feet of US mall space is vacant, with almost 70% of Americans living near a mall with a high vacancy rate.

The Housing Deficit and Mall Repurposing

The country faces a housing deficit of 4.5 million homes, prompting plans for at least 192 US malls to add a housing component. New housing developments are being built in old malls, offering a unique living experience. Residents like Amy Henan, who resides on the top floor of a three-story mall in Providence, Rhode Island, appreciate the convenience of having shops and restaurants accessible within the building. However, they also face challenges such as tiny kitchens and limited cooking facilities.

Benefits and Challenges of Mall-Based Residential Projects

Residents of the arcade building get used to the lack of privacy due to people coming and going, but they appreciate the unique experience of having amenities accessible within the building. Business owners on the first floor value having a built-in customer base with residents on upper floors, fostering a sense of community and loyalty. However, residents may occasionally deal with the public mistaking their apartment for an Airbnb. Despite these challenges, malls serve as economic hubs, generating billions in tax revenue and creating thousands of jobs.

To combat the economic domino effect triggered by mall closures, developers are transforming dead malls into mixed-use spaces, including offices, medical facilities, and housing. Nearly 54% of these spaces are being used for residences and office space, as department stores like Macy’s and JC Penney shrink and close hundreds of stores. A billion-dollar investment plan is underway to revitalize malls, which can be easily repurposed, especially when most of the site is a parking lot that requires minimal demolition.

Challenges and Opportunities in Mall Conversion

Revitalizing malls by converting them into housing meets multiple needs, including housing and boosting local businesses, but faces challenges such as zoning laws, design limitations, and navigating interest rates and construction costs. Converting commercial office space into apartments is a trend, but it’s often expensive, with office acquisition prices needing to drop by 50% to be financially feasible. Despite these challenges, malls may have a second chance by becoming housing hubs, making them a desirable place to live and work.

Living in small spaces, like a 250 sq ft studio, is a trend where people prioritize affordability and community interaction over larger living areas, encouraging them to engage with the surrounding downtown area. As the demand for housing continues to grow, repurposing malls into mixed-use developments offers a unique opportunity to create vibrant and sustainable communities.

• Key benefits of mall-based residential projects: unique living experience, convenience, and community interaction
• Challenges: lack of privacy, zoning laws, design limitations, and high construction costs
• Opportunities: meeting housing demands, boosting local businesses, and creating sustainable communities

Key Vocabulary

Watch The Video

Vocabulary Quiz

1. What does the term “mixed-use developments” refer to in the context of revitalizing malls?

A) Converting malls into solely residential areas
B) Transforming malls into office spaces only
C) Developing malls into a combination of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces
D) Turning malls into industrial facilities

2. According to the text, what percentage of US mall space is vacant?

A) Nearly 10%
B) Almost 50%
C) Approximately 25%
D) Nearly 34 million square feet

3. What is one of the challenges faced by residents living in repurposed malls, according to the text?

A) Lack of amenities
B) Excessive privacy
C) Limited parking options
D) Tiny kitchens and limited cooking facilities

4. What is the estimated housing deficit in the country, prompting plans for mall repurposing?

A) 1 million homes
B) 2.5 million homes
C) 4.5 million homes
D) 6 million homes

5. What percentage of the repurposed mall spaces are being used for residences and office space?

A) 20%
B) 34%
C) 54%
D) 67%

Answer Key:

1. C
2. D
3. D
4. C
5. C

Grammar Focus

Grammar Focus: Using Percentages and Statistics in Sentence Construction

Grammar Quiz:

1. The new development ____________________ a housing deficit of 3 million homes, leading to increased demand for apartments.

A) faces

B) prompts

C) meets

D) solves

2. Nearly ____________________ of the mall’s space is being used for residential purposes, with the remaining area dedicated to offices and shops.

A) 40%

B) 60%

C) 54%

D) 70%

3. The city’s plan to revitalize the old mall ____________________ the need for more housing and commercial spaces, making it an attractive project for investors.

A) addresses

B) meets

C) prompts

D) ignores

4. The statistic that almost 70% of Americans live near a mall with a high vacancy rate ____________________ the need for innovative solutions to repurpose these spaces.

A) highlights

B) ignores

C) solves

D) diminishes

5. The billion-dollar investment plan to revitalize malls is expected to generate billions in tax revenue and create thousands of jobs, ____________________ the local economy.

A) boosting

B) diminishing

C) ignoring

D) stabilizing

Answer Key:

1. B) prompts

2. C) 54%

3. A) addresses

4. A) highlights

5. A) boosting