Secret Mall Apartment: The Hidden Hangout You Won’t Believe Existed

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Jeremy Workman’s documentary titled “Secret Mall Apartment” encapsulates its narrative in its title, but it delves deeper. The movie, boasting two-time Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg as an executive producer, is not just about a hidden apartment in a mall; it explores broader themes, at times even excessively so. However, the central concept remains intriguing, particularly appealing to city dwellers who have seen many years: In 2003, eight friends residing in Rhode Island stumbled upon an unoccupied, neglected 750-square-foot space nestled in a hard-to-reach corner of the Providence Place Mall. They transformed this space by adding furniture, tables, and even a PlayStation, turning it into their exclusive hangout for four years.

The mere concept brings a grin to your face, and Workman could have rightfully ended there. However, the group’s endeavors reveal much more about artistic expression and the erosion of communal identity due to gentrification. Workman delves into these themes, inviting diverse responses from the audience; we appreciate the mischievous spirit embedded in this rebellious gang’s actions, and we applaud artists who view life through their art’s lens. Above all, we cheer for a group of prisoners who discovered a sanctuary of tranquility and creativity in a consumer-driven prison governed by corporate ambition, erected on the remains of a once-tight-knit community.

In a fascinating documentary that subtly reveals larger themes, even if some threads are left unresolved and there may be excess focus on certain aspects, the overall experience remains delightful. You’ll find yourself drawn in by — and perhaps a little envious of — an exceptional work that showcases artistry in an unexpected place.

Can a Shopping Mall Revitalize an Entire City?

Initially, Providence was among America’s richest cities, but its population drastically declined following World War II. In the 80s, the city made a plan to construct a massive mall, envisioning it as the heart of an urban revival. To make room for this project, rivers, railroads, and inhabitants were relocated, leading to the creation of Providence Place mall, intended to stimulate rejuvenation. However, upon its opening in August 1999, local residents found it unappealing. It failed to foster local businesses and, as photographs from above clearly show, it divided the city’s affluent and less fortunate areas, effectively transforming Providence into a town that travelers merely pass through on their way to their final destination.

Resident Michael Townsend and his wife, Adriana, noticed that the mall was designed with an inherent empty capitalist aspect, which led them to hear about Providence Place and its beneficial features. They thought it would be intriguing to reside within the mall themselves. Initially intending to stay for a week, they intended to consume leftovers from the food court and sleep in a small, chilly area, awaiting being removed by security. However, Michael’s curiosity about an unused storage space hidden in a corner led him and Adriana to find their 750-square-foot “hidden space.

Hiding Out and Playing Video Games at the Mall

Using grainy footage shot by Townsend and his group with an old Pentax Optio camera, Workman documents their efforts as they maneuver a massive cabinet, a couch, a TV, and various other furniture pieces up a ladder and into the apartment.

Before tackling more pressing issues, Workman refrains from exaggerating the audacity of the task or seeking humor. Instead, the film maintains a serious yet not overly heavy tone, primarily focusing on the intriguing personality of Townsend. The leader of the group, Townsend stands out as a true artistic spirit who approaches life as if it were one continuous art project in a volunteer gallery.

Workers frequently pause their tasks to delve into Townsend’s background as a “temporary artist,” where he crafts transient art using vibrant masking tape. While it can get sentimental at times, vintage videos of Townsend and others making tape art silhouettes in children’s hospitals and New York City for the 9/11 anniversary demonstrate that he didn’t design the Providence Place apartment as a joke. The concept resonated with him on both an artistic and personal level, as a Rhode Island resident reclaiming a slice of Providence’s history within a massive, unfeeling structure that pays no heed to trivial matters.

Additionally, having moved eight times before reaching seven years old, Michael’s experiences as the son of a Marine have a psychological impact on his actions, shaping him into someone who views everything as temporary.

Did the Mall Survive Due to White Privilege?

In the course of the documentary, Workman presents us to various members of his artistic group, several of whom attended the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, where Townsend served as a professor. Collectively, they transformed the apartment into something more than just another gentrified residence – a unique gathering place that viewers might assume was their permanent home. However, this assumption is inaccurate; the group didn’t live there full-time, but rather used it as an exceptional hangout spot. This fact is revealed later by Adriana when she explains that her husband Michael gave priority to the mall apartment over their own residence, one of the few instances of interpersonal tension depicted in the film.

In another situation, when mall security apprehends individuals attempting to sneak in cinder blocks at the mall, it’s plausible they were spared arrest due to “white privilege.” However, this complex matter is better addressed thoughtfully rather than casually mentioned and then left unaddressed.

The Secret Mall Apartment initially appears as an amusing tale about Michael Townsend and his group of mischievous companions discovering a hidden haven where they can enjoy video games and exhibit their creativity. However, it reveals itself to be something deeper, reflecting Workman’s knack for discerning the superficial narrative and the underlying truth. This movie might not discourage a city from constructing a temple of materialism that fosters class division and encourages the consumption of meaningless goods. Yet, it may inspire us all to challenge corporate greed and mindless gentrification, reminding us that such acts are significant.

The “Secret Mall Apartment,” a creation by Wheelhouse Creative, Wildbrush Media, and Wrong Turn Productions, will make its debut in New York City on March 26, with additional showings in Los Angeles and other locations starting April 2. To discover theaters and purchase tickets, click here.

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2025-03-26 02:32