New Housing Design Trend Is Converting ’80s And ’90s Shopping Malls Into Apartments

The mall used to be such a massive part of life, and I know, on many occasions, me and my friends talked about how cool it would be to live at the mall. Well, now you can! Kind of.

The Historic Avenue Mall opened in 1982, but like most mall in recent years, it’s tough to keep people coming in. That’s why developers announced a new $65 million project to turn it into The Avenue in 2017. The Avenue is an urban center with a lot going on. It has pickle ball courts, apartments, and even a pet fitness center.

Recently, a Tiktoker (@saritalatasha) went viral sharing a tour of The Avenue and the apartments offered there.

mall into apartments tiktok - pickle ball courts and windows

The development has 2 apartment complexes: Plankinton Clover and Playbill Flats. Some units are for rent, but some are also available for Airbnbs. I’ve got to say, she makes this place look pretty dope.

@saritalatasha

Milwaukee is going through a mass renovation! Investors tap in!! 💪🏽#renovationproject #mke #gentrificationisreal

♬ original sound – It’s just Sarita

“I just think it’s a whole vibe,” said @saritalatasha.

The apartments look great and pretty reasonable, but the amenities are what really sell this place. Imagine having all of this right outside your door whenever you want it.

@saritalatasha

♬ original sound – It’s just Sarita

 

It’s about $1700 for a one bedroom plus $150 for a parking spot. The way rent is these days, that doesn’t sound too bad. Plus, almost everything you’d need is right outside your door. People in the comments seem to love The Avenue.

mall into apartments tiktok - such a vibe

mall into apartments tiktok - that's why they need to do

mall into apartments tiktok - turned food court into grocery stores

mall into apartments tiktok - this instead of clearing more trees

mall into apartments tiktok - one of thes for 55&up people

mall into apartments tiktok - a mall, but with apartments

mall into apartments tiktok - if i could have a business downstairs

mall into apartments tiktok - the price isn't that bad

mall into apartments tiktok - do this with every abandoned mall

mall into apartments tiktok - everything included not that bad

mall into apartments tiktok - cold in Milwaukee

mall into apartments tiktok - leaving your apartment and going into the food court

mall into apartments tiktok - live here during the zombie apocalypse

Stefanie

Stefanie Mustian

Stefanie is an architect with 15+ years of working both independently as well as on teams of some of the top Architectural Firms in the country located in Atlanta, Washington D.C. and New York. She currently runs BoardBatten.com a coastal architecture and design service in Port Aransas, Texas. She is also the wife of the dude who runs Pleated-Jeans.