America’s Oldest Mall Repurposed Into Micro-Loft Community

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, America’s oldest indoor shopping mall is a three-storey complex dating back nearly 200 years. Like many others, the mall was closed down, but in this case has been repurposed, taking on the form of micro-housing for urban dwellers. Now a community of 48 micro-lofts ranging in size from 225 to 330 sq. ft., the complex is open to the public with retail and entertainment on the first floor, with housing above. The project was reimagined by Northeast Collaborative Architects, who was able to maintain much of the structure’s original design, including its wall-to-wall skylights, original metal railings and streetlights. The one-bedroom spaces provide affordable housing in expensive cities, with rent starting at $550 USD per month for a creative space that is both liveable and enjoyable.