You can do a lot with a few shipping containers.
Shipping container houses, restaurants, pop-up spaces, and hotels have become extremely popular in the last two decades. It’s a great way to build a small, sustainable structure with low building expenses and an even lower carbon footprint.
Until recently, building grander structures with shipping containers would have been unthinkable. Now, with the proper resources and technology, however, you can build pretty much anything out of shipping containers. Today, we’re going to be talking about shipping container malls that have popped up around the world.
Whether it’s in Las Vegas or New Zealand, commercial developers all around the world are seeing the benefits of shipping container malls. Read more to learn about this incredible trend.
Common Ground – Soeul, SK
At the time of opening in 2015, Common Ground in Soeul had the distinction of being the world’s largest shipping container mall. In total, there are 200 shipping containers that make up the complex. It’s split into 4 areas – the market hall, market ground, terrace market, and street market – containing a mix of boutiques and restaurants in three stories. Common Ground is an impressive structure that has become an epicenter of culture in the heart of Soeul.
Boxpark – London, UK
The first Boxpark, in Shoreditch, is made up of 60 containers housing numerous international brands. It was the first pop-up mall of its kind and has since expanded to include two other locations; Croydon and Wembley. This mall has its origins in Roger Wade and his shop and fashion label Boxfresh, which dates back to 1999.
Downtown Container Park – Las Vegas, NV
Downtown Las Vegas has seen a revitalization due in part to things like the downtown container park. This one is an open air shopping center with a special focus on boutique shopping, unique dining, and the type of high-end entertainment that you can only get in Las Vegas.
Re:START – Christchurch, NZ
Re:START was a pop-up shipping container mall in the wake of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, which destroyed many of the buildings in its City Mall. Though it was always meant to be short-term, it was so beloved that it stayed open until 2018. Re:START is a testament to the power and potential of building shipping container malls.
stackt market – Toronto, ON
Downtown Toronto’s stackt market opened in 2019 to much fanfare. It’s a massive venue made up of 120 shipping containers that house everything from retail and dining establishments to experience and community spaces.
By celebrating the city’s diversity, stackt market has taken an unused space in the heart of downtown and turned it into one of the hotspots of the city.
Is Texas Next for Shipping Container Malls?
We’re already seeing shipping container malls pop up in other places, even in Texas. El Paso’s TI:ME at Montecillo is a smaller example, housing several bars, restaurants, and specialty shops.
If we’ve learned anything from the amazing malls we’ve discussed here, it’s that shipping container malls would thrive in most major cities. It’s easy to picture Dallas and Houston embracing the unique and exciting benefits of a shipping container malls. If you’re a Texan property developer, you should strongly consider what you could do with a few dozen shipping containers.
At Equipment Management Services, we deal in shipping containers for the Dallas and Houston areas. Whether you’re looking to build a house or erect a full-scale mall, we’re your one-stop shop for shipping containers and modifications.
