Unique apartment built with repurposed steel shipping containers opens in Phoenix

PHOENIX — A unique apartment building in downtown Phoenix built with repurposed steel shipping containers has opened, design-build firm Local Studio said this week.

IDA on McKinley at 250 E. McKinley Street is a 6-story complex and the tallest structure of its kind in the nation, according to a press release.

“IDA on McKinley is an architectural feat, the nation’s tallest shipping container development and an historic addition to downtown Phoenix,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in the release.

“It is innovative in several ways: the reuse of shipping containers, and the novel way it adds shade to the right-of-way. These are the kinds of multi-layered approaches that will carry Phoenix toward its sustainable future.”

The apartment, which offers 18 one- and two-bedroom apartments, includes various sustainable features including a 33KW-solar system with a solar-shaded roof deck and solar-shaded sidewalk canopies, as well as a 3,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system.

“Our objective with IDA was to push the limits and show you can build truly sustainable housing for our desert climate without sacrificing design,” Local Studio founder and architect Brian Stark said in the release.

“In each of our projects, we look for ways to innovate and do something that’s never been done before—while remaining committed to the goal of building a more walkable and dense urban environment. And we couldn’t do it without strong partners at the City willing to break down barriers with us.”

Construction on the complex began in January 2021 on a small parking lot in the Roosevelt Row arts district, the firm said.

The complex also features ground floor space for a commercial tenant, as well as a bike charging station and bike repair station.

IDA on McKinley marks the fifth project the firm has built using shipping containers, according to the release, joining The Oscar apartments and The Churchill restaurant.

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