Converting Malls to Residential Units

[jar546]

I have so so many questions I would like answered about this. Any Rhode Island people here?

 

[TheCommish]

I would like to know the code verse that prohibits open flame cooking devices

 

[jar546]

I would like to know the code verse that prohibits open flame cooking devices

I was wondering the same and have three different ideas.
1) They did not require fire-sprinklers and this is a trade off as ridiculous and dangerous as this sounds.
2) Local agreement to drive sales to the vendors on the first floor.
3) A local ordinance compromise with zoning to allow mixed-use.

It just does not make much sense.

 

[bill1952]

It's Rhode Island. Maybe just skittish still from Station fire.

I can't believe there are not fire sprinklers. I thought that was fundamental to unlimited area buildings like malls.

Second news blip this week on residential in malls.

 

[steveray]

I would like to know the code verse that prohibits open flame cooking devices

I believe there is something in the fire code for R2….i know some of our guys enforce that here…

 

[Sifu]

I am conflicted by this. On one hand, I think it is pretty cool, not for me but I know a lot of single people that would find this interesting. I think the younger, cooler, hipper people, that don't want to spend much/most of their time taking care of a house, cooking their own meals, or driving would see this as a solution. At least until the next phase of their life. Living in a closet may not be exactly what they envisioned but maybe it will work out. On the other hand, living in that closet means there would likely be other costs. It may be convenient to walk down to the cafe for breakfast every day, but expensive. And eventually, if not already, those cafes will realize they have a captive audience and price accordingly. So the true cost may not be realized by the cost of the space.

From a safety viewpoint, I wonder. But I don't really know what measures are taken to understand and mitigate the difference between what it was to what it is. It seems to be a bit of social engineering and an attempt at behavior control. Will every closet have space heaters and hot plates once the the realization is made that the dream isn't as dreamy as they thought? Will necessary safety provisions fall to the notion of affordable housing?

"Affordable Housing" is a popular phrase. But it is so relative I am skeptical every time I hear it. Is this affordable housing? If so, will it remain affordable housing? If it is popular, and demand exceeds supply then the price will climb. If it is unpopular, then the investment made by the developers and buyers will be lost. I did a quick check. The 270sf² unit costs 135,000, so 500/sf². The apartments in Broomfield CO that the video referenced are around 2,000/month for 1 bed/1 bath, 800sf² units. What is "affordable"? Will the prices and values remain? But, I have wondered many times as I see shuttered malls, or if open just sad. What can they do with those spaces? Maybe this is a solution that will work for everyone. Maybe it is a money grab that will only work for the developers who will move on once they make their money and leave a wake of problems for others to clean up. I see stories often of the grand ideas surrounding the apartment and condo communities falling by the wayside, leaving tenants with less than they are promised. Will this be the same?

 

[steveray]

I saw that RI one on a show once and thought it was cool....Not my thing, but cool...

 

[steveray]

I would like to know the code verse that prohibits open flame cooking devices

EDIT: Now I watched it...They were speaking indoor....Not decks/ balconies

Maybe this BTW...

308.1.4​

Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction.

Exceptions:

1. 1.One- and two-family dwellings.
2. 2.Where buildings, balconies and decks are protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
3. 3.LP-gas cooking devices having LP-gas container with a water capacity not greater than 21/2 pounds [nominal 1 pound (0.454 kg) LPgas capacity].

 

[Yankee Chronicler]

The range thing makes even less sense because she said she has NO range. Last I knew, major appliance manufacturers still offered electric ranges.

This video is interesting. On my way to the office from the dentist this morning I drove past a dead mall, and the mall I usually go to (when I go to a mall) could be described as dying. Adaptive reuse would be beneficial all around.

 

[bill1952]

The range thing is odd, but if I were to build a house - unlikely at my age of 72 - I'd seriously think about no range. A couple of induction "burners" - which greatly minimize the fire risk - and a couple of carefully selected appliances - air fryers insta pots, etc. - and I have all the cooking capacity and options I'd need for much less money requiring less space. And I'm not the only one going that way.

We're I late 20s and just out of grad school, those mall units might appeal. Luckily I found employment in areas where apartments were plentiful. Another era long ago.