Rhode Island mall converts stores to affordable apartments

America's oldest indoor shopping mall in Rhode Island has been converted into affordable apartments, offering rents starting at $550 per month. This transformation aims to revitalize the city's financial district. The Arcade Providence, a national landmark, now houses micro-lofts in former retail spaces. The project, completed in 2012, provides housing for young professionals and promotes local businesses, serving as an "incubator" for them. The repurposed mall offers residents easy access to amenities, universities, and transit. The project has been praised for its economic development and has inspired similar building conversions in other cities.