Living in the Mall: The Accidental Room
Imagine living in a mall! Michael Townsend did just that in a hidden room he found during construction of a massive shopping center in Providence, Rhode Island, completed in 1999.
As an artist and painting teacher, Michael discovered this unused 750-square-foot space while running past the mall daily. Initially, he planned to stay for just a week, but he ended up living there for four years, unnoticed.
In 2003, radio ads promoted the idea of living in the mall, which inspired Michael’s unconventional choice. He had plans to renovate the space, including adding a kitchen and a second bedroom.
However, his secret life came to an end when he was caught by security while leaving the apartment. He expressed surprise and apologized for not being more forthcoming about his living situation.
