‘Secret Mall Apartment’ is streaming now
What began as a closely guarded secret among a group of New England artists has unexpectedly entered the cultural spotlight. In 2003, eight individuals transformed an unused 750-square-foot space within the Providence Place Mall into a clandestine living quarters, complete with furniture and even a makeshift wall constructed from two tons of cinder blocks. Their story, once confined to hushed conversations and personal memories, is now the subject of Jeremy Workman’s documentary, “Secret Mall Apartment,” currently streaming on Netflix.
A Secret Unveiled
The group’s four-year residency remained undetected until 2007, when mall security discovered the hidden apartment. Michael Townsend, a member of the collective, was subsequently arrested and banned from the property, but notably chose not to reveal the identities of his companions. For years, documentation of their time in the mall existed solely as digital footage, intended as a private record of their experience.
The story resurfaced in 2018 when Townsend shared his account on a podcast, “The Accidental Room,” part of the 99% Invisible series. This sparked renewed interest, leading to Workman’s involvement and, ultimately, the creation of the documentary. The film premiered in New England at the Somerville Theatre in 2024 and received a national theatrical release in 2025, even garnering a mention on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon.
Beyond the Walls: Context and Meaning
The documentary explores themes beyond simply living undetected in a mall. It delves into the artists’ motivations, which were rooted in a response to gentrification and the loss of creative spaces in Providence, Rhode Island, particularly around Eagle Square and Fort Thunder. Townsend described the apartment as a manifestation of a “lack of vision” from developers, and a way to reclaim space.
Townsend, also a tape artist, connected with Workman while working on a project in Athens, Greece, and ultimately agreed to share the extensive footage, with the condition that all seven of his fellow artists also consented. The resulting film, executive produced by Jesse Eisenberg, presents a complex narrative of survival, creativity, and the search for belonging.
What’s Next?
With the documentary now widely available on Netflix, the story of the “Secret Mall Apartment” is likely to reach a much broader audience. This could lead to increased discussion about urban exploration, alternative living arrangements, and the challenges faced by artists in rapidly changing cities. It is possible that the film will inspire similar acts of creative resistance or encourage a reevaluation of unused spaces within urban environments. Further, the renewed attention may prompt further exploration of the artistic community surrounding Fort Thunder and Eagle Square.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the artists to move into the mall?
The artists were responding to a sense of loss and displacement caused by gentrification in the Eagle Square area of Providence, and saw the mall as an opportunity to create a new space for themselves.
How long did the artists live in the mall undetected?
The artists lived in the mall for four years before being discovered by mall security in 2007.
What happened after the artists were discovered?
Michael Townsend was arrested and banned from the mall, but he protected the identities of the other seven individuals involved.
Does this story make you reconsider the potential for hidden spaces and unconventional living arrangements within our own communities?