Shipping containers converted into stylish homes in Detroit

Oct 16, 2024

Shipping containers, once primarily used for transporting goods, are now emerging as an innovative housing trend in metro Detroit.

A new development of single-family container homes on Detroit's east side is part of this growing movement, offering sustainable and modern housing options.

One such property, a 640-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-story home constructed with two retired shipping containers has hit the market for $179,000 at 2966 Ashland St.

“It's going to have that shipping container feel,” said Andrew Creamer, one of the developers, explaining that the interior walls will remain exposed but painted to preserve the industrial aesthetic.

The home, listed by Mark Monaghan of Sine & Monaghan Realtors in Grosse Pointe Farms, is designed to attract buyers seeking efficient, compact living.

“Tiny houses are popular right now,” Monaghan said.

Next door, a two-story model, 1,000-square-foot container home with three bedrooms and two bathrooms will be completed soon.

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These homes feature layouts reminiscent of the “shotgun houses” popular in the southern states, with narrow, rectangular designs where rooms are arranged one behind the other.

Designed to appeal to buyers seeking modern, minimalistic living spaces, these homes offer features like a back patio, a parking pad off the rear alley or future garage space, an appliance package, front yard landscaping, and a small front porch to maintain a touch of traditional charm.

Creamer shared that there are development plans that will eventually include a total of eight container homes on the block.

The houses are constructed from refurbished shipping containers and insulated for energy efficiency.

Measuring 8 feet by 40 feet, with some containers as tall as 9 feet, the units offer flexibility in design through stacking and custom cutouts.

The two-story model features an 18-foot ceiling from the top of the stairs to the ground floor, with plans to install a clear pendant chandelier for a dramatic effect. The first floor will have hardwood flooring, while the upstairs will be carpeted, Creamer explained.

Buyers also can take advantage of the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone tax abatement, which provides up to 15 years of property tax savings for new construction.

While this is Creamer’s first container home project, he brings a wealth of experience from other construction ventures, including a recently opened building for individuals with disabilities in the area.

The homes were designed by architect Steve Flum, who has worked on similar projects, including a container home project in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.

Just down the street, residents can enjoy a pocket park with garden boxes and a vibrant mural painted by Quinn Faylor, created as part of the City Walls Program.

Container homes, much like traditional houses, vary in features and craftsmanship, with differences in ceiling heights, finishes, fixtures and design choices and options ranging from a sleek, polished look to retaining a more industrial aesthetic with exposed ductwork.

“It's an alternative to traditional stick-built homes, and we'd like to see it given a chance,” Creamer said.

(This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

Brendel Hightower writes about real estate and other topics for the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at [email protected]. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.