Studio One Eleven is significantly expanding the use of repurposed shipping containers with multiple projects throughout Southern California. The affordability of cargo-box reuse is uplifting community-based retail, say the designers. With a decades-long trade imbalance, Southern California has excess shipping containers. Some small-scale food venues are able to purchase them for as low as $2,500-$3,000 per container.
The modular spaces also lead to fresh design concepts with an “industrial cool” factor that appeals to both retailers and customers. Innovative additions include:
- Second-floor seating
- Chefs’ gardens
- Outdoor beer halls for craft breweries
- Performance stages
- Creative offices
- Children’s play areas
- Private dining and wedding venues
- Bike and dog facilities
Leisuretown, Center City Anaheim
In early 2019 Studio One Eleven will open Leisuretown with developer LAB Holding in Center City Anaheim, a partnership with craft brewer Modern Times Beer. The 32,000-square-foot complex includes a coffee roaster and vegan Mexican food restaurant surrounded by gardens and a swimming pool. Two levels of shipping containers will join a renovated Craftsman-style residence, adjacent barrel-vault commercial building and former auto repair shop.
The Roost, Downtown Santa Ana
The Roost is of a collection of pre-war buildings – an abandoned filling station, barn, and duplex renovated in late 2015 into a mix of shops and housing. Shipping containers serve as a bar and restaurant and are artfully arranged into a central beer garden and outdoor dining experience. One of Orange County’s first shipping container projects, The Roost is like a living room for its neighbors, and a destination for visitors.
SteelCraft, Los Angeles and Orange County
SteelCraft Garden Grove opens in 2019 on a downtown site. Above its 10 craft food and beverage tenants will be a second level seating component, for a total of 20,000 square feet. A working organic farm will provide fresh produce for the chefs on site. Adjacent will be an area accommodating food trucks and temporary kitchens for visiting chefs.
SteelCraft Bellflower opens in 2019 on a 15,000-square-foot site featuring a parabolic wooden shade structure. The design evokes Bellflower’s dairy-industry roots and includes a large performance stage and vertical surface for outdoor movies. SteelCraft Bellflower will offer nine unique tenants including beer, wine, coffee, food and dessert vendors. Centered in the city’s downtown, this SteelCraft location will anchor future investment in the area. Source and images Courtesy of Studio One Eleven.