Repurposing dead malls into live-work incubators for startups.
The pitch: Convert hundreds of abandoned US malls into entrepreneur villages. Exton Square Mall in Pennsylvania as example—massive vacant concourse, existing plumbing infrastructure, easy conversion to apartments + workspaces.
Structure:
- Housing restricted to active startup founders/builders (enforced rules, university-style conduct codes)
- Anchor stores → shared fabrication labs (3D printers, machine shops)
- Other anchors → product showrooms, event spaces, inventory/shipping hubs
- Courtyard-facing units (no windows like urban lofts), not permanent housing but startup-phase crash pads
Why it works technically:
- Existing infrastructure (HVAC, water, power) already built for high foot traffic
- Modular conversion cheaper than ground-up construction
- Concentrated talent pool creates network effects
- Local universities can plug in for talent pipeline
This isn't luxury living—it's optimized density for builders who'd otherwise work from cars or closets. The goal: turn economic dead zones into high-output innovation clusters that cities would compete to host.
Basically: mall → startup commune with shared resources and enforced productivity culture.
The pitch: Convert hundreds of abandoned US malls into entrepreneur villages. Exton Square Mall in Pennsylvania as example—massive vacant concourse, existing plumbing infrastructure, easy conversion to apartments + workspaces.
Structure:
- Housing restricted to active startup founders/builders (enforced rules, university-style conduct codes)
- Anchor stores → shared fabrication labs (3D printers, machine shops)
- Other anchors → product showrooms, event spaces, inventory/shipping hubs
- Courtyard-facing units (no windows like urban lofts), not permanent housing but startup-phase crash pads
Why it works technically:
- Existing infrastructure (HVAC, water, power) already built for high foot traffic
- Modular conversion cheaper than ground-up construction
- Concentrated talent pool creates network effects
- Local universities can plug in for talent pipeline
This isn't luxury living—it's optimized density for builders who'd otherwise work from cars or closets. The goal: turn economic dead zones into high-output innovation clusters that cities would compete to host.
Basically: mall → startup commune with shared resources and enforced productivity culture.