Reviving dead malls

Abstract

Located in Muncie, Indiana, this project is focused on how adaptive reuse can revive the Muncie Mall and bring a thriving community back into a space that once greatly served the public. The 53 acre site is not used to its full potential anymore like it was in the past. With this much space, it should be converted into a piece of architecture that can benefit the Muncie community. Shopping malls are slowly dying across the United States, and developers are starting to revitalize them in unique ways. This specific project will turn the dead Muncie Mall into active adult residences, an elementary school, and a community center full of activities for everyone of all ages. Included in the old Muncie Mall was an abundance of pavement for parking that was significantly unused. This project will develop enough parking spaces for the building while still leaving plenty of room for new parks, plazas, and green spaces. Through adaptive reuse, new architecture can activate a space for a rising community.