
Built in 1828 in the Greek Revival style, Arcade Providence is a beloved landmark—the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971—for its airy, light-filled atrium, tall ionic columns, and stately appearance. When the mall closed down in 2008, developer and micro-housing enthusiast Evan Granoff purchased the mall with plans to renovate and modernize the arcade, while respecting its historic design. The $7 million adaptive reuse project transformed the mall into a mixed-use building, with shops on the ground floor and micro-apartments on the top two floors.
Related: Former dumpster dweller launches affordable smart homes for urban millennials

Inspired by cargotecture, the 48 innovative micro-apartments are completely furnished with a bathroom, bedroom, storage, and a kitchen equipped with a fridge, sinks, dishwashers, and microwaves. The majority of the apartments are one-bedroom units that measure 225 to 450 square feet in size; however, there is also a two-bedroom unit and a roomy three-bedroom unit. There are shared amenities including a game room, laundry facilities, bike storage, and parking garage. Rents start at $550 a month for the smallest units, but don’t think you’ll be able to move in right away—there’s still a long waiting list of prospective tenants.
+ Northeast Collaborative Architects
+ Arcade Providence
Via Take Part
Images via Northeast Collaborative Architects/, Floor Plans via Arcade Providence