A man secretly lived for four years in a hidden condo he built inside a shopping mall without anyone noticing.
Have you ever thought about living inside a mall?
While most of us visit for shopping or work, one man took it a step further by making the mall his home.
Man secretly builds a condo built in small and lives in there for 4 years
In 1999, as a huge shopping mall in Providence, Rhode Island, with 160 stores was being completed, artist and drawing instructor Michael Townsend found an unused space.
He later called this hidden area the ‘accidental room.’
In 2003 and 2004, holiday advertisements for the Providence Place Mall playfully suggested the idea of living inside the mall.
These ads indicated not only its shopping appeal but also the potential for an entire lifestyle experience within its walls.
Townsend initially thought he would live in secret mall condo for a week
Fast forward to 2003, Michael found this neglected 750-square-foot space within the mall and decided to occupy it.
Initially planning for a brief stay of a week, he ended up residing there for four years.
“During its construction I identified the 750 sq. foot space that the apartment currently occupies.
The space was used to store materials during the mall’s construction and remained classifiably underutilized and abandoned once the mall opened,” Townsend said.
This area, once used for storing construction materials during the mall’s development, remained abandoned and overlooked after the grand opening.
Living stealthily within this hidden enclave, Michael ambitiously envisioned transforming the space with a kitchen, new flooring, and an additional bedroom.
Small security personnel finally discovered his secret
However, his plans were halted abruptly when security personnel finally uncovered his secret abode.
Acknowledging his unanticipated discovery after four years, Michael expressed regret for not disclosing his presence earlier.
“Plans to finish the kitchen, install the wood flooring, add a second bedroom, and replace the outdated cutlery were put on permanent hold recently as I was apprehended leaving the apartment.
“The security personnel who took care of the situation did so in a fluid and professional manner.
I admit to being caught off guard after four years, and apologize for not being as forthcoming immediately with information regarding my work.”
Despite escaping punishment for his prolonged stay, he was permanently barred from reentering the mall.
On his website, he clarified his status, affirming that he was not homeless and held gainful employment.
