FMBC Investments’ 83 Freight project in Nashville, Tennessee, introduces innovative housing to a historically industrial working-class neighborhood. Warehouses and factories in the surrounding area have undergone transformations into art galleries, restaurants, retail spaces, co-working areas, and marker spaces, increasing demand for affordable studio and one-bedroom rental apartments in the area. 83 Freight, touted as the largest residential shipping container project in North America, was developed to offer affordable, missing-middle housing options to the rapidly changing neighborhood.
The 165,000-square-foot project is built from 173 repurposed shipping containers that are stacked, rotated, and offset to form three buildings with 83 residential units ranging from microstudios to two-bedroom flats. The buildings are set back from the road to provide stoops to unit entries, creating a walkable urban streetscape, and the property also features interior courtyards and light wells to support the well-being of its residents.
The weathered exteriors, refinished marine-grade plywood floors, preserved ISO identification markings, and exposed fluted metal ceilings at 83 Freight are included as reminders of the journeys the homes once made. Cut-out sections of the containers were preserved and reused as planter edging and louvers across the site. To overcome challenges related to systems integration, energy efficiency, and sound isolation, the containers were modified and structurally reinforced off-site with shop-cut utility openings, doors, windows, and selective wall removals.
The prioritization of front stoops, light-filtered corridors, and community gathering spaces were informed by the community, according to architect Smith Gee Studio. All studio units feature a built-in Murphy bed, and several apartments have their own private rooftop deck. Each unit features 9-foot exposed ceilings, glass and tile showers, full-sized washer and dryers, and stainless steel appliances. The community also includes an open space with bocce ball, ample space for dog walking, a grilling area, a bike rack, electric vehicle charging stations, and an on-site recycling center.
