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 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.
Analysis: Just 5 Percent of Detroit Bus Stops Have Shelters
The city’s thousands of bus stops are sorely lacking in seating and shelters to protect riders from rain, snow, and sun.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.
From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service