America's Surplus Retail Space: An Opportunity to Ease the Housing Crisis?

America has a severe housing shortage, leading to calls to convert unused retail and office spaces into residential units. Converting just 10% of underperforming retail could create 700,000 new housing units.

Retail spaces like dead malls are ubiquitous across the U.S. and often already integrated into neighborhoods, making them prime targets for residential conversion.

Converting retail to housing tends to be easier and more financially feasible than office conversions, given lower acquisition costs and existing infrastructure.

Retail conversion allows for "18-hour neighborhoods" with a mix of residential, retail, and amenities in a dense area.

Challenges include cost of upgrades like lighting and utilities, as well as getting redevelopment plans approved. Malls' large footprints can allow for flexible design.