JWA Properties’ Post

The expression “shop until you drop“ finally has some meaning! 🛌🥱💤 With a US housing shortage of well over 4 million units, and double that with our visitors from the southern border, creativity in housing concepts is essential. Here we go. I have long contended that the glut of commercial and office space in the US post covid and the advent of mostly irreversible “remote work” (see my InspireMeCollaboration.com) — does not constitute much of a solution for Resi shortages. The most economical approach, generally, for unused and obsolete office space in the urban centers, due to wet wall, window, HVAC, location, load-bearing wall locations, façade, finishes, and 10 other factors is…RenascentDemo.com and RenascentDC.com, and a beautiful rebuild catered to low income and workforce housing. Factories, schools, and ta-da ta-da… retired and tired Shopping Malls are far more easily converted to Resi. Take a look at this video and love it! I know, location, since the Frank Lloyd Wright revolution, doesn’t generally place shopping malls in the best locations for a walkable city and job/school opportunities. But at least the expression “shop until you drop“ finally has some meaning! Nighty night. 🛌🥱💤 One last point. The forever shifting sands of the world economy and technology would strongly suggest flexible design concepts, from parking garages to every other asset class in the Built Environment. Shouldn’t residential housing and commercial facilities have a drone landing pad with easy access on the roof - for deliveries? Being able to evolve in society requires forethought and imagination, but that seems pretty important. https://lnkd.in/eByqfgvW

A smart approach to disused buildings, and one that would serve the UKs housing crisis better than the current obsession for new builds. All I see everywhere are high streets with gaps, historic buildings boarded up, etc and pathways forward for new uses snarled in red tape. Investing in what is already built makes sense and is better for environmental considerations - at pace, and within the reality that a 250sq ft flat is going to be enough for many people who don’t currently have a roof over their head and don’t need high-spec fancy finish ‘investment’ properties. It would bring so many communities back from the brink and protect the land, species and habitats that will be consumed by an explosion of building.

Happy Saturday LinkedIn Fam!!! More people are living at American Malls!!! 🤯 Ok so this is becoming a real thing!?!? I just have a few questions: 1: How large are these lofts? 2: Do they have their own private bathrooms? 3: Is there good mobile reception and internet connectivity? 4: How much does it cost 💲? What do you think about living in a mall and what’s some questions you have? Comment below 👇🏾

A great way to adapt existing assets for new uses.

While converting unused retail or office buildings into real estate isn’t a new idea, the challenge remains: many repurposed properties still come with rents that are out of reach for the average person. Take, for example, the $4,600 monthly rent for a 1,200 sq ft condo in DC that my 23-year-old pays with three roommates—this is a reality for so many young people today. The concept of repurposing dying malls into thriving community hubs sparks my interest. Imagine turning these massive, underused spaces into 250 sq ft apartments that could serve as a more accessible alternative. Even better—what if these units could be affordable enough for young people, and people from underrepresented communities, to purchase? Breaking the cycle of renting would be a game-changer for many. And why stop there? What if we incorporated community gardens into these spaces—taking advantage of the vast parking lots and turning them into hubs of self-sufficiency and sustainability? It’s a concept that checks so many boxes for good urban planning, while addressing what seems like an insurmountable gap for many as they face ridiculous rents while just trying to make their way. #UrbanPlanning #sustainability #community #affordablehousing #urbanplanning

"What if malls became homes?" I saw this video about a Rhode Island mall turning its upper floors into microlofts while keeping retail on the ground floor, and I can't stop thinking about how brilliant this idea is. Housing affordability is such a huge challenge, and this feels like such a fast, efficient, and innovative solution. Think about it: 🅿️Plenty of parking. No scrambling for spots like in traditional city developments. 🍲The food court as a social hub. Imagine it evolving into a space where people connect, work, or grab a coffee with neighbors. ♻️Reusing what’s already there. Instead of expensive, slow new builds, projects like this repurpose existing spaces to meet today’s needs. I could totally see myself living in a place like this—especially if the lofts had high ceilings and that spacious feel. My only question is how to introduce enough windows or natural into a structure like this. It’s something designers would have to get creative with, but I’m sure there’s a solution! It’s exciting to see how creativity and practicality can collide to solve real-world problems. Could something like this work in your city? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can rethink spaces to create affordable, vibrant communities. #HousingAffordability #UrbanInnovation #SustainableLiving #CommunitySpaces

The James Apartment to Transform Retail Space into Homes Amidst Commercial Market Slump Contact me to discuss the latest scoop in real estate! #soldbytonyngai #tnrealtyinc #realestate #realtor #dreamhomes #realestateagent #homesofinstagram #homesearch #realestateinvesting #housingmarket

Going to be seeing a lot more of this over the next few years as so many commercial spaces remain empty following the pandemic and maturing interest rates are causing defaults and allowing commercial properties to be acquired at deep enough discounts to justify the investment in redevelopment. #RealEstate https://lnkd.in/g3rA8TgA

Redevelopment is not easy having to deal with cities, tenants, and capital markets. I do expect the mall redevelopment trend to continue as most are on large land parcels in urban settings. #redevlopment #landforsale #infill #malls

From backyard homes to mini-apartments, what's next in the works for Toronto ... How about more corner coffee shops near your local park? What about businesses in garages? What do you think about mixing retail into residential areas? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #TorontoHousing #UrbanPlanning #torontorealestate #EHON #torontoEHON