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America’s Oldest Mall Is Saved By Transforming It Into 48 Cozy Low-Cost Micro-Apartments
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America’s Oldest Mall Is Saved By Transforming It Into 48 Cozy Low-Cost Micro-Apartments

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Ever wanted to be locked in a shopping mall when you were a kid? Well, now you can LIVE in one if you’re based in Rhode Island. The Arcade providence, America’s first indoor shopping mall that was build in 1828, has been repurposed into a residential structure with 48 low-cost micro-lofts since it fell into decline in the late 20th century. The mall was transformed at a cost of $7 million by Northeast Collaborative Architects

Starting at $550 a month, residents can rent a one-bedroom unit from 225-800 sq. ft. Each apartment contains a kitchen, full bath with shower, built-in beds, seating and storage. There are no stoves in the units as they are designed for the people who lead busy lifestyles but the tenants can eat at freshly designed restaurants on the ground floor and enjoy vibrant evenings in a shared lounge. There’s also a shared laundry facility and a bike storage room as well as parking garage across the street. Would you live in such an apartment?

More info: arcadeprovidence.com (h/t: mymodernmet)

Built in 1828, America’s oldest shopping mall in Rhode Island was struggling to fill its commercial spaces and was doomed to be closed

But then Northeast Collaborative Architects came along and transformed it into a residential space at a cost of $7 million

The historic building now has 48 low-cost micro-lofts

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Starting at $550 a month, residents can rent a one-bedroom unit from 225-800 sq. ft.

The apartments are based on the top two levels

There are no stoves in the units as they are designed for the people who lead busy lifestyles

But the flats contain full bath with shower

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And they have cozy bedrooms with built-in beds

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As well as tiny living rooms

The tenants can live a vibrant life with 17 retail stores and restaurants kept on the ground floor

This is how the mall looked in the old days

Watch the video here:

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Julija Televičiūtė

Julija Televičiūtė

Author, Community member

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Crazy in love with my sweet rescue pup https://www.instagram.com/rescueshepskybella/

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Julija Televičiūtė

Julija Televičiūtė

Author, Community member

Crazy in love with my sweet rescue pup https://www.instagram.com/rescueshepskybella/

What do you think ?
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Cassie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like that this mall was repurposed instead of simply being abandoned.

ShenenehJ
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow this is quite innovative. A superb way of repurposing an old building that almost certainly would have 'gone to waste.' Brilliant!

Cody Eriksen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in an old Grain Mill that was shut down over 40 years ago, been set ablaze, firefighters and Police were ordered to never go in if there was an emergency because of the state it was in. Needless to say it was in Skid Row. Now the place has been rebuilt and has loft apartment that are all different. I think re-purposing buildings like this is AWESOME!! I'm a history nut so it's even cooler to see all the old machinery that they had in the mill set up like a really cool museum or even the architecture of this old mall would be outstanding. Hell, Europe has been doing it forever.

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Cassie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like that this mall was repurposed instead of simply being abandoned.

ShenenehJ
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow this is quite innovative. A superb way of repurposing an old building that almost certainly would have 'gone to waste.' Brilliant!

Cody Eriksen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in an old Grain Mill that was shut down over 40 years ago, been set ablaze, firefighters and Police were ordered to never go in if there was an emergency because of the state it was in. Needless to say it was in Skid Row. Now the place has been rebuilt and has loft apartment that are all different. I think re-purposing buildings like this is AWESOME!! I'm a history nut so it's even cooler to see all the old machinery that they had in the mill set up like a really cool museum or even the architecture of this old mall would be outstanding. Hell, Europe has been doing it forever.

Load More Comments
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