Thinking inside the big box: Seven brilliant uses for abandoned chain stores [SLIDESHOW]

Some look at the abandoned big box stores littering the American landscape and see senseless blight -- and others see an opportunity to create something new. Here are some examples of the latter.

Finding a use for 40,000 to 200,000 square feet of space is one of the biggest challenges of reusing box stores, says Christensen. Here, the community of Lebanon, Mo., turned an old Kmart into a county library, cafe, and Route 66 museum. *Julia Christensen, Big Box Reuse, MIT Press*

There are two kinds of people: Those who look at abandoned big box stores littering the American landscape and see senseless blight — and those who see an opportunity to create something new. Here are some examples of the latter, many of them from Julia Christensen’s book, Big Box Reuse.

Grist is the only nonprofit newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice.

Our team of journalists remains dedicated to telling stories of climate, justice, and solutions. We aim to inspire more people to talk about climate change and to believe that meaningful change is not only possible but happening right now. Our in-depth approach to solutions-based journalism takes time and proactive planning, which is why Grist depends on reader support.

For the next few days, become a monthly donor, and your entire yearly amount will be matched. Grist hopes to welcome 200 new monthly members by September 30, and we’re so close to our goal! Help us further advance our reporting by giving us the stable, reliable funding we need. Consider becoming a Grist member today to ensure this important work continues and thrives.

Join us

95%

Thinking inside the big box: Seven brilliant uses for abandoned chain stores [SLIDESHOW]

Some look at the abandoned big box stores littering the American landscape and see senseless blight -- and others see an opportunity to create something new. Here are some examples of the latter.

Why the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of climate solutions is so controversial

Nonprofit finds hope against wildfires with unexpected ally: charcoal

‘Orca,’ the largest carbon removal facility to date, is up and running

Crowdfunded, climate-smart farming is rebuilding soil and savings

There’s a major gap in the new methane pledge: Agriculture

Why many food experts don’t want a new international body for food science

Grist is the only nonprofit newsroom focused on exploring solutions at the intersection of climate and justice.

Technology

Latest