Transforming Abandoned Malls
A Pathway to Affordable Housing and Shelter Solutions
The decline of traditional shopping malls in the U.S. has left many communities grappling with sprawling, empty structures that were once bustling hubs of commerce. According to a recent CNBC article, 25% of America’s approximately 1,000 malls will face closures within the next 3–5 years.
While these properties often symbolize economic downturns, they also present unique opportunities to address pressing societal challenges, particularly in creating affordable housing and shelters for the unhoused.
The Potential of Repurposing Malls
Abandoned malls often occupy central locations in urban and suburban areas, making them accessible and ideal for community-focused redevelopment. These structures typically come with large open spaces, ample parking, and basic infrastructure such as plumbing and electricity, which can significantly reduce construction costs when repurposing.
Low-Income Housing Development
Converting malls into low-income housing involves redesigning the interiors into smaller, affordable apartment units. Developers can capitalize on the existing layouts, such as dividing large anchor stores into multi-unit dwellings. Mixed-use facilities could also combine residential spaces with essential services like daycare centers, clinics, and grocery stores, fostering self-sufficient communities.
For example, in upstate New York, a project retrofitted a former Sears department store into 73 rental apartments and built a new four-story multifamily building with 84 rental units on the adjacent parking lot, demonstrating how underutilized properties can be reimagined for diverse purposes.
Homeless Shelters and Support Centers
Abandoned malls can serve as expansive shelters for homeless populations. Their size allows for segmented areas, including sleeping quarters, dining facilities, medical services, and recreational spaces. Repurposing these spaces into shelters not only provides immediate relief but also helps build transitional housing for individuals working to regain stability.
For instance, the Denver Rescue Mission has utilized larger facilities to combine sheltering services with educational and job-training programs, offering a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness.
Economic and Social Incentives
Redeveloping malls for housing and shelters comes with benefits that extend beyond the immediate purpose:
- Economic Revitalization: Filling abandoned properties creates jobs during the redevelopment phase and boosts local economies by increasing property values and encouraging nearby businesses to flourish.
- Community Impact: Offering housing solutions in once-empty spaces strengthens the social fabric, giving struggling individuals a chance to rebuild their lives in supportive environments.
Challenges to Consider
While the vision is promising, challenges remain:
- Zoning and Regulations: Most malls are zoned for commercial use, necessitating approvals and possibly lengthy rezoning processes.
- Cost Considerations: Despite lower initial costs, funding remains a challenge, especially for nonprofit-led initiatives. Public-private partnerships may be essential to make these projects viable.
- Community Opposition: Some residents may oppose these developments, fearing impacts on property values or local crime rates. Public education campaigns are key to overcoming such resistance.
States Leading the Way
Some states, like California, New York, and Illinois, have experienced acute housing crises, making them frontrunners in exploring mall redevelopment. In California, the conversion of commercial spaces into affordable housing is being incentivized through legislation like Assembly Bill 2011, which streamlines approval processes for such projects.
A Vision for the Future
Repurposing malls for low-income housing or shelters isn’t just a practical solution — it’s a moral imperative in a time when homelessness and housing affordability dominate national concerns. These transformations can breathe new life into struggling neighborhoods, demonstrating that with creativity and collaboration, spaces once thought obsolete can address critical human needs.
This is an opportunity for cities to rethink their urban planning strategies, turning relics of retail’s golden age into symbols of community and resilience. By doing so, we don’t just rebuild spaces — we rebuild hope.
