A Detroit developer is moving ahead with plans for an innovative condo project that will repurpose shipping containers for medium-density housing, reports John Gallagher.
Despite their inherent advantages in cost and modularity, and some high profile successes, shipping container architecture has had a tough time attracting the attention of developers in the United States. A $3.4-million 20-unit condominium project being planned for a site near Wayne State University may change that.
"First proposed in 2008, the shipping-container condo project known as Exceptional Green Living on Rosa Parks stalled during the national real estate crash," writes Gallagher, "but is now back on target for a 2013 construction start." The return of the project was announced last week by Leslie Horn, CEO of Three Squared, the project's developers.
Although Three Squared is bullish on the adaptability of containers for a variety of building types - from emergency housing to dormitories - potential investors remain hard to convince. "Even last week I met with some investors and one of them said, 'I'd rather invest after you have one built.' I think part of it is education," Horn said. "People still have a stigma because they don't see the versatility in container construction."
A two-unit model is set to break ground in mid-December.
FULL STORY: Detroit firm aims to use shipping containers for Midtown residences
Container Condos Planned in Detroit
Developers in Detroit are planning a condominium project completely made out of used shipping containers. But city approval is needed before the project can move forward.
Detroit Launches Community Land Trust
A newly created CLT aims to support the building of affordable housing.
Detroit Transit Agency Requests $20M Budget Increase
The Detroit Department of Transportation wants to boost ridership by hiring more drivers, buying new buses, and enhancing station infrastructure.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)