Community Chat

[Drythe]

I love the idea of living above a working shop, just not a restaurant or a bar.  Most retail closes before I want to sleep and opens after I'm awake.

One thing I love about Europe, and N.O. is the homes above the shops!

Long Time Dream:  Buy a cool old building, covert lower level to book / coffee shop, and contract out management.  Live on second floor, create a neat pocket garden in back with parking for me.  That way the property washes it's own face, so to speak.

[ROMARY]

Dryth:  Just a  few days ago, friends and I were discussing the many possibilities re: living quarters on the top floor, and some type of store on the street floor.   'What's old is new again'.   Lots of folks benefited from that type of living and working.  Years and years ago, of course.   What's nice is that folks wouldn't have to drive when they need groceries, a bakery, fish market, butcher, etc., etc.  It's hopefully all right there.   If the price is right in the right area, it would be a good, profitable venture.   (Zoning laws would have to change, I'm guessing.  But just maybe the local govs will see the benefit.)  ........ So, 'all in all' having apts. above local malls just might be a 'first step' in the right direction, more or less.

[CelticCrafter]

There's no stove in the kitchen.

[gardenman]

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@ROMARY wrote:

Dryth:  Just a  few days ago, friends and I were discussing the many possibilities re: living quarters on the top floor, and some type of store on the street floor.   'What's old is new again'.   Lots of folks benefited from that type of living and working.  Years and years ago, of course.   What's nice is that folks wouldn't have to drive when they need groceries, a bakery, fish market, butcher, etc., etc.  It's hopefully all right there.   If the price is right in the right area, it would be a good, profitable venture.   (Zoning laws would have to change, I'm guessing.  But just maybe the local govs will see the benefit.)  ........ So, 'all in all' having apts. above local malls just might be a 'first step' in the right direction, more or less.

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Property taxes are also a big issue. A local restaurant owner added an apartment for himself over the restaurant in formerly vacant space and his property taxes skyrocketed as a result. 

[RainCityWoman]

So far I have not noticed any dying malls here in Seattle and vicinity. The parking lots are always full and there are people everywhere. Of course, they may not be buying anything. There are lots of restaurants that may be drawing crowds. The malls are always a hangout for teens. 

[ValuSkr]

Malls are becoming less retail and more entertainment - restaurants, theaters, bowling, etc.

[morganjen]

http://money.cnn.com/2017/12/12/news/companies/mall-closing/index.html

[Oznell]

I've come across this before, and do find it intriguing.  The ones that are larger than these pictured, are the ones I'd be interested in.  When spaces get "compacted down" as much as these are, they lose their charming, dollhouse quality and take on more of the character of an anonymous locker in a bus station...

But cute tree house-like condos above a mall would appeal to me at any stage.