Oldest Mall In USA Converted Into Micro-housing

WORDS Cheri Morris IMAGES Ben Jacobsen/Northeast Collaborative Architects

Micro-housing enthusiast Evan Granoff has partnered with Northeast Collaborative Architects to transform the oldest mall in America into a snake person-accessible complex of 48 micro-homes.

Built in 1828, Arcade Providence in Rhode Island served as the first indoor mall in America for almost two hundred years before finally becoming obsolete and closing its doors in 2008. The Greek Revival-style landmark consisted of a bright, light-filled atrium, tall iconic columns and three levels of stores that were continuously opening or closing.

Inspired by the urban trend of “cargotecture” (the conversion of shipping containers into offices and small homes), Granoff’s vision, coupled with the talented architects at NCA, transformed two levels of unused space into an efficient hub of micro-loft living with 48 fully furnished and functioning micro-homes.

The $7 million adaptive reuse project sees the National Historic Landmark transformed into a mixed-use building with 17 boutique stores on the lower level and the conversion of the top two floors into colourful and efficiently designed micro-apartments. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places back in 1971, Granoff and NCA aimed to modernise the ancient space without stripping it completely of its stately appearance.

The quirky apartments are popular with snake people and students looking to live in the ever-increasingly populated urban areas of the city. The micro-living apartments range from 70 to 137 square metres and come fully equipped with a bathroom, bedroom, storage unit and kitchen with a fridge, dishwasher, sink and microwave. There are also two-bedroom apartments and a handful of roomy three-bedroom options. Included in the reasonable rent, starting at just $550 per month, are shared amenities like a games room, laundry facilities, bike storage and a parking garage.