Micro apartments seem to be the wave of the future. These tiny apartments are built inside existing shopping malls to utilize excess and unleased retail space. There are currently 192 malls with conversion plans in motion. Most plans maintain retail and restaurant spaces on the ground floor and incorporate apartments into the upper floors. The Arcade Mall in Providence, Rhode Island, has apartments on the second and third floors.
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The Arcade Mall is the oldest indoor shopping mall in the United States. The mall’s first floor has restaurants and retail stores, with micro lofts upstairs. Most of the tiny apartments range from 225 to 775 square feet. The apartments have the charm of a tiny home with the convenience of a mall. Many of the smaller units come fully furnished and move-in ready.
While this type of minimalist living might not be perfect for everyone, those renting these micro apartments seem to love the versatility. The units don’t have a stove but have a small refrigerator and microwave. Most tenants are content to eat in restaurants on the ground floor.
Although not ideal for everyone, these mall apartments provide excellent living spaces for young, single people with active lifestyles. They can also be a perfect fit for an elderly person in good health wishing to downsize. Community spaces include lounges where residents can gather or entertain guests. Laundry facilities are also on the ground floor for residents to use.
Old shopping malls have been suggested as senior living apartments. For seniors in good health, they offer many amenities on the main concourse while affording independence. The malls may not have elevators or escalators, so steps are a factor when considering this innovative choice.
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