Shopping Malls Transform into Housing Hubs Amid Rising Vacancy Rates

As the holiday shopping season unfolds, an innovative trend is reshaping struggling shopping malls across the U.S. Real estate developers are converting vacant mall spaces into housing, addressing both declining mall traffic and the nation’s housing shortage. A prime example is the Arcade Mall in Providence, Rhode Island, the nation’s oldest indoor shopping mall. After falling into disuse, the historic building was transformed into a mixed-use facility with 48 micro lofts on its upper floors. Each unit is compact, with some as small as 250 square feet, designed to optimize space while preserving the mall’s historic charm. This transformation reflects a larger trend. At least 192 malls nationwide have plans to integrate housing, tapping into the 34 million square feet of vacant mall space. With the U.S. facing a 4.5 million home deficit, such projects present a creative solution to meet housing needs while reinvigorating underused commercial spaces. Residents, like Amy Heon, who has lived in the Arcade Mall for over two years, praise the unique living experience despite the limitations of compact spaces and strict building codes. Meanwhile, developers see this as an opportunity to revitalize malls by attracting a steady flow of tenants and weekday visitors. As this trend grows, it could redefine the future of retail spaces, turning malls into vibrant community hubs.