The Providence Arcade, thought to be America's oldest enclosed shopping mall, suffered the same fate as many of its 20th century brethren when it was shuttered in 2008. A developer seeks to revive the building as a mixed-use "micro-loft" complex.
"Built in 1828 and declared a National Historical Landmark in 1976, the Providence Arcade — otherwise known as the Westminster Arcade or simply 'the Arcade' if you're a local— is known for its 'distinguished Greek Revival columns, granite walls, and classic facades,'” writes Matt Hickman. Despite its fine design and distinguished history, the arcade was not immune from the effects of the recession, and it shuttered in 2008.
A trendsetter from its birth, the vision for the arcade's renaissance is based on an emerging trend in urban living - micro-housing. "Developer Evan Granoff of 130 Westminster Street Associates believes that the salvation of the stately building with the big columns and huge history lies within tiny living ... and retailing." Retail space will average 400 square feet, while the 48 "micro-lofts" in the buildings upper floors will measure between 225 and 450 square feet.
"With a move-in date slated for later this spring, you can preview the Providence Arcade's micro-makeover at a museum exhibition that I'm finding myself writing about a lot these days: "Making Room: New Models for Housing New Yorkers” at the Museum of the City of New York," writes Hickman. "Floor plans, additional renderings, and a bit of the building's history can also be found at the development's website."
FULL STORY: America's oldest indoor shopping mall to be reborn as mixed-use micro-loft complex
Depopulation Patterns Get Weird
A recent ranking of “declining” cities heavily features some of the most expensive cities in the country — including New York City and a half-dozen in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
California Exodus: Population Drops Below 39 Million
Never mind the 40 million that demographers predicted the Golden State would reach by 2018. The state's population dipped below 39 million to 38.965 million last July, according to Census data released in March, the lowest since 2015.
Google Maps Introduces New Transit, EV Features
It will now be easier to find electric car charging stations and transit options.
Ohio Lawmakers Propose Incentivizing Housing Production
A proposed bill would take a carrot approach to stimulating housing production through a grant program that would reward cities that implement pro-housing policies.
Chicago Awarded $2M Reconnecting Communities Grant
Community advocates say the city’s plan may not do enough to reverse the negative impacts of a major expressway.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Town of Zionsville
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.