Love to shop? Live in a shopping mall for $225k

If living at the mall is a teen dream you never outgrew, pack your Limited bags: America’s oldest mall, located in Providence, RI, converted its second and third floor into 47 micro-apartments; one unit just listed for $225k. Here’s more about mall-living from listing agent Lisa Jones.

Q: What’s the story of this mall? “The Arcade Mall was built in 1828; it’s almost 200 years old. As a teen in the 80s, I loved going there to grab an Orange Julius. It’s still a functioning mall with storefronts on the first floor: a bookstore, a high-end resale clothing shop, a hairstylist, eyebrow threading, plus a sandwich shop and restaurant.”

Q: When did the mall add apartments? “Around 2013. Downtown’s shape had changed. Fewer people were working nine-to-five, and mall traffic was declining everywhere. Plus, affordable housing was getting harder to find, so adding micro-condos made sense.”

Q: Who lives in these units currently? “It’s a real mix: 22 are owner-occupied full-time residents, 14 are long-term rentals, and 11 are short-term rentals. Up to 30% of units can be rented annually, and there’s no cap on short-term rentals.”

Q: Are there any downsides to living at the mall? “It’s actually quieter than you’d expect. Residents have fob access through the mall or via a separate exterior entrance. The real limitation: There’s no stove. If you love cooking, you’re working with a hot plate or an air fryer. It’s also tiny, 265 square feet, although it comes with a full bath, dishwasher, half-size refrigerator, and tons of storage space.”

Q: The unit for sale is already under contract. Why do you think it went so quickly? “It’s unique. It’s affordable. It’s versatile. It’s a very nostalgic place, and I absolutely adore it. And luckily, I’ve got another apartment here coming on the market in a month.”