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It strikes me as a simple solution to turn abandoned malls into homes. Many malls are centrally located, near transit, and have plenty of parking. For the ones
by maerF0x0 6y ago
It strikes me as a simple solution to turn abandoned malls into homes. Many malls are centrally located, near transit, and have plenty of parking. For the ones that are indoor style, you could even have easily accessed amenities like a gym or something. I wonder what the issue is besides zoning laws?
- ashtonkem 6y agoIndustrial buildings are built to very different codes and requirements than residential buildings. Off the top of my head, I think that a dearth of insulation and water pipes would be an issue, along with the ratio of exterior to interior space (no windows leads to depression fast). It reminds me of industrial loft apartments that sprung up when Midwestern small manufacturing died. I knew some people who lived in one and their quality of life was pretty terrible compared to purpose built residential housing. Their place was cold and all mechanicals had to be run in exterior conduit which was ugly and hard to keep clean. Better than being homeless though.
- maerF0x0 6y agoOh 100% would need a retrofit. But millions of square feet of space and walls shouldnt go to waste either. I'm mostly suggesting that a rezone + retrofit is probably better than finding bare land and build new or than to tear down the mall and build again. That unless the density demands residential towers.