A historic Milwaukee mall that's been converted into apartments — complete with pickleball courts, a doggy fitness center, and food hall — has transfixed TikTok

• A TikToker's viral tour has created intense interest in an unconventional renovation in downtown Milwaukee.
• A former shopping mall has been converted into apartments, with office spaces and a food hall on the premises.

TikTokers can't get enough of a historic Wisconsin mall that has been converted into apartment units. The unique dwelling option comes complete with pickleball courts, a food hall, and a Walgreens on the premises.

Though the redevelopment of Milwaukee's historic Grand Avenue mall was announced in 2016, it went viral this February thanks to the TikToker @SaritaLatasha. The creator does not live in the mall but "works in the building next door," she told a commenter, and one day decided to give followers a glimpse inside.

"There's actually people living here now," @SaritaLatasha said in her video, with 1.5 million views, as she pans across what appear to be former storefronts windows that are now dressed as living spaces.

The creator then filmed the pickleball courts on a lower-level atrium — one of several amenities for residents, according to the property's website. There is also a "doggy wellness" area with canine fitness equipment, a private clubroom lounge, and a fitness center for the human (paying) residents.

"I just think it's a whole vibe," the TikToker said in her video.

The Grand Avenue Mall opened in 1982. But after economically struggling in more recent years, developers announced a new $65 million venture to turn it into The Avenue in 2017, per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Avenue is a multi-faceted urban center comprising apartments, office space, a food hall, and public-facing retail spaces.

There are two apartment complexes within the development, per The Avenue's website: Plankinton Clover and Playbill Flats. Some units are also available as Airbnbs. The 3rd Street Market Hall, with food vendors and games like indoor golf, is accessible to residents via a skywalk, @SaritaLatasha said. The building is also home to office space, dubbed the Arcade Offices.

Commenters are enamored by the unique development. "This is the perfect place to live during a zombie apocalypse," one wrote. "Hear me out," added another. "We make more of these."

People also noted that it's perhaps more environmentally sound to rehabilitate old buildings than to construct new ones. "This is better than clearing trees to build new apartments," a top commenter said.

In a second video, @SaritaLatasha said she was offered a tour of a one-bedroom unit priced at $1,700, plus an additional $150 for parking. The creator marveled at the nice appliances and high ceilings. (The Plankinton Clover website currently lists studios and one-bedrooms for $1,315 and $1,485, respectively.)

While some felt the price tag was a bit steep, many commenters cheered the imaginative use of the space, suggesting the venture be replicated elsewhere amid the decline of shopping malls across the country.

"They should do a mall for 55 & older people," one commenter suggested. "That way they can walk the mall together & bingo all in 1 building."