The idea in the title actually makes sense if they can rezone it for mixed use. Take down the roof over the common internal areas of a mall and make that area more like a park then redevelop some defunct storefronts into condos or apartments. Get an empty large department store converted to a grocery store.
I say all this as if I'm playing simcity or something. I bet its easier/less expensive to just demolish all the structures than try to deal with something built to commercial code/permits and convert it to residential. For instance the amount of plumbing (sewage + water) required for a mall is hardly as much as needed for a 100-200 unit residential development.
I say all this as if I'm playing simcity or something. I bet its easier/less expensive to just demolish all the structures than try to deal with something built to commercial code/permits and convert it to residential. For instance the amount of plumbing (sewage + water) required for a mall is hardly as much as needed for a 100-200 unit residential development.