A huge retail development was completed in 1999. The 1.4 million-square-foot shopping mall in Providence, Rhode Island, had 160 businesses. Michael Townsend used to run by the mall every day. Michael was not only an artist, but he also taught painting at the time.
Because he enjoyed exploring, Michael discovered what looked to be an unintended chamber when the building was still under construction. As a result, it appeared to have no purpose and was not a store.
The Mall House
Four years later, in 2003, Michael discovered the mall room to be empty. At this point, he assumed he’d utilize it for himself. His primary objective was to spend a week in the 750-square-foot room. He ended up living there for four years.
Michael was able to live in this chamber for an extended length of time without being seen by anyone. He even planned to build another bedroom, redo his kitchen, and install new carpets. Unfortunately, he was discovered before those plans could come to fruition.
No punishment
Michael was fortunate to avoid punishment for his mall squatting. Of course, security restricted him from the mall indefinitely. On his website, he also claims to have a job and is not homeless.
We don’t comprehend how someone could reside in plain sight and go undiscovered for so long. Still, what an interesting story!
