The American shopping mall is an endangered species, a collection of relics of a fading form of commerce.
This one in Providence, Rhode Island is different.
It is Americas oldest indoor shopping mall, a three-story complex dating back nearly 200 years.
It has been re-imagined to take on an entirely new role micro housing for urban dwellersin downtown Providence.
The Arcade Providence is a community of 48 micro-lofts ranging in size from 225 to 300 square feet.
Its one part restorative architecture, one part tiny-house movement, one part mixed-use development.
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To build the Arcade Providence, the developers tapped Connecticut-based Northeast Collaborative Architects.
Many structural elements also remain, right down to original wooden window frames along the entry of each unit.
Units at The Arcade Providence start at $550 a month for a 225-square foot space.
These arent open room studios, either.
Theyre one-bedroom units with creative designs that provide ample space for one or two occupants plus room for entertaining.
Theres activity during the day and entertainment at night.
All for a fraction of what they might pay for a standard apartment nearby.
With that, the developer and architect should be patting themselves on the back.
Micro Lofts at The Arcade Providence by NCArchitects | Gallery
(photography byben jacobsen)
