My Mall is Now My Home: Transforming Commercial Spaces to Solve the Housing Crisis

In this episode of The Claim Hunter Podcast, host Chris Tidball sits down with Howard Franco Jr., Esq., Partner at Collins + Collins LLP, to explore an innovative approach to solving America’s housing crisis—repurposing underutilized shopping malls into modern residential communities. The conversation dives into the legal, insurance, and urban development implications of adaptive reuse, offering timely insights for insurers, legal professionals, and real estate developers navigating this emerging trend.

Mall Redevelopment: A Creative Legal and Insurance Opportunity

Howard shares how the decline of brick-and-mortar retail has left a landscape of vacant mall properties—structures with strong infrastructure, strategic locations, and untapped potential. He outlines how converting these spaces into housing requires navigating local zoning laws, public approval, and environmental regulations, all while managing legal risk. From a legal perspective, early due diligence and transparent community engagement are essential for success.

Insurance professionals also face unique challenges in underwriting these projects. Traditional property and liability policies may not address the specific risks of redeveloped commercial spaces. Howard stresses the need for collaboration between legal counsel, design experts, and underwriters to ensure comprehensive coverage, particularly around structural safety, fire protection, and accessibility compliance.

The episode emphasizes the broader community impact of mall-to-housing conversions. These projects not only provide much-needed housing in underserved areas but also support economic revitalization. By integrating mixed-use elements and community amenities, developers can turn aging retail centers into vibrant, livable spaces. Howard urges listeners to rethink what's possible—and act now to shape the future of real estate and urban planning.

About Howard Franco Jr., Esq.

Howard Franco Jr. is a Partner at Collins + Collins LLP with a focus on public entity defense and real estate litigation. He is a thought leader on adaptive reuse projects and legal frameworks that support innovative urban solutions.

About Collins + Collins LLP

Collins + Collins LLP is a California-based litigation firm specializing in public sector defense, insurance law, and construction-related claims. The firm is known for delivering strategic legal counsel on complex cases that shape policy and communities alike.

Links Mentioned in This Episode

• Howard Franco Jr. on LinkedIn

• Collins + Collins LLP Website

Key Episode Highlights

• Creative strategies for turning declining malls into affordable housing.

• Legal and zoning considerations for adaptive reuse projects.

• Insurance coverage gaps and evolving risk profiles.

• The role of stakeholder engagement in successful redevelopment.

• How mall conversions can stimulate community revitalization.

Conclusion

This episode challenges listeners to look beyond traditional solutions and explore the legal and financial frameworks behind mall-to-housing transformations. Howard Franco Jr. delivers a compelling case for innovation, collaboration, and proactive planning as keys to unlocking a more sustainable housing future.

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