More Americans are living in malls, as developers get creative to help ease the housing crisis

At least 192 U.S. malls planned to add housing to their footprint as of January 2022 , and at least 33 had constructed apartments since the pandemic began.

At least a dozen more apartment projects are underway at malls across the country, including in California , Florida , Arizona and Texas .

Developers are knocking down department stores like Macy 's or JCPenney and using the spaces and their parking lots to put up apartment buildings next to the mall.

Apartments at U.S. malls aren't everywhere yet.

Many of the housing developments are still under construction and will start renting over the next few years .

The Lafayette Square Mall in Indianapolis is slated to open 1,200 apartment units, including affordable housing in a former Sears building.

The new food court boasts separate dining areas and a self-serve beer tap with rotating brews.

The food court has more than a dozen restaurants and is a draw for tourists, locals and building residents alike.

"It's really convenient to have, like, if we were ever snowed in we can survive without ever leaving".