Jade Small
Jade Small
October 31, 2024 ·  3 min read

“Re-Habit” Transforms Empty Big Box Stores into Housing for the Homeless

Los Angeles-based KTGY Architecture + Planning is leading the way with an innovative concept called “Re-Habit,” aiming to repurpose vacant big-box stores into homes for the homeless. This initiative seeks to revitalize empty retail spaces, providing essential facilities like bathrooms, dining areas, sleeping quarters, and even gardens and job training programs. By turning these once-thriving commercial hubs into supportive living environments, KTGY envisions a new kind of social impact.

Addressing the Housing Crisis

With an alarming number of big-box retailers, including Macy’s, JC Penney, and Sears, shutting their doors, vast amounts of urban space are left abandoned. This presents a unique opportunity to address homelessness, especially given that a significant portion of the U.S. homeless population—approximately 35%—is currently unsheltered. KTGY’s proposal focuses on adapting a typical 86,000-square-foot retail space, offering different room sizes to accommodate various needs, including communal sleeping pods and private units.

A Comprehensive Community Approach

The Re-Habit initiative is designed as a mixed-use facility that not only provides shelter but also includes spaces for job training and recreation. One of the standout features is an expansive rooftop garden where residents can cultivate their own food, fostering a sense of responsibility and community. In this environment, residents engage in cooking, cleaning, and maintaining their living space, promoting independence and collaboration among participants.

Promoting Independence Through Design

The innovative bed pod system is structured to enhance residents’ autonomy over time. As they progress through the program, individuals can transition from shared accommodations to more private living spaces. This thoughtful design, developed in consultation with the Long Beach Rescue Mission, addresses the specific challenges faced by California’s homeless population, where nearly 68% are unsheltered.

Urgent Need for Adaptive Solutions

The increasing closure of major retail stores highlights the necessity for creative solutions to housing shortages. KTGY’s Re-Habit concept responds not only to the pressing need for shelter but also to the broader issues of housing affordability. As homelessness continues to escalate, this model stands out as a viable method for transforming disused commercial properties into functional living spaces.

A Collective Effort to Combat Homelessness

The Re-Habit initiative is part of a broader trend among architects and designers seeking to address homelessness through innovative designs. Other notable projects include a series of modular pods developed by James Furzer and Spatial Design Architects, which can be positioned on government-owned sites to create supportive housing communities.

Exploring New Spaces

In New York City, Framlab has proposed utilizing the blank walls of buildings to create additional living space, further exemplifying the creative approaches emerging to tackle homelessness. These concepts reflect a growing recognition of the need to repurpose existing structures for social good, rather than allowing them to remain abandoned.

Long-Term Vision for Housing Solutions

Sustainable housing solutions also include projects like the urban garden and housing initiative by We Architecture and Erik Juul, which transforms vacant lots in Copenhagen into homes for the homeless. In Los Angeles, LOHA’s supportive housing complex emphasizes creating a welcoming environment that integrates seamlessly with the surrounding community, highlighting the importance of holistic urban planning.

A Global Perspective on Homelessness

Coverage of architecture’s role in addressing homelessness has expanded in recent years, showcasing various global strategies. From modular housing solutions to community-centric designs, these efforts aim to redefine how society responds to the ongoing homeless crisis, demonstrating that innovative architecture can lead to meaningful change.

In summary, KTGY’s “Re-Habit” concept represents a hopeful step forward in the fight against homelessness, turning empty retail spaces into vital resources for those in need. By focusing on community-building and sustainable living, this initiative illustrates the power of architecture to transform lives and uplift communities.

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