A visit to the BoxSpot Open Air Market Series
BoxSpot, from the central gathering space. Photo by Zoë Byron.
BoxSpot stairs, photo by Zoë Byron.
Zoë from our office visited the BoxSpot Open Air Market Series last Saturday. BoxSpot is a business incubator in the Kinsman community of Cleveland that was constructed out of recycled shipping containers.
BoxSpot was built by the local development group Burten, Bell, Carr Development whose mission it is to revitalize blighted and underserved communities. They focus on the Central and Kinsman neighborhoods of Cleveland. The space was designed by local Cleveland architecture firm Architecture Office.
We interviewed Zoë about her visit:
Oliver Architecture: What did you have for breakfast before you went to the BoxSpot?
Zoë: I had eggs, bacon, and potatoes at Michael’s Diner in Shaker Square.
OA: Sounds good, what was your first impression of the BoxSpot?
Z: The space stands out, the tower is taller than a lot of the things in the area and the bright yellow color catches your eye. Driving east on Kinsman you can see downtown in the distance then you come up on the tower and it really makes an impact.
Approaching BoxSpot along Kinsman Rd from the east. Downtown Cleveland is visible in the background. Picture from Google Maps.
BoxSpot, under construction, picture from Google Maps.
OA: Can you describe the layout of the project?
Z: The shipping containers are surrounding a central landscaped gathering area. There’s a stage area and seating. I was very impressed with the landscape design – it was done really well.
Inside the BoxSpot central gathering space, photo by Zoë Bryon.
OA: What can you tell us about the businesses operating out of the shipping containers?
Z: There are 7 local businesses in the containers. The spaces are small, to keep rent affordable for the businesses, but they are functional and I’m excited to see them in use.
OA: Will you be going back?
Z: I will It felt like an authentic Cleveland experience. It’s nice to see a building which creates space for local people with a passion and I think this building does it well. I can’t wait to buy my little brothers all the candy from The Kandy Kupboard!
BoxSpot, photo by Zoë Byron.
The BoxSpot official ribbon cutting ceremony is happening today 10/17 from 11:30a – 1:30p. However, their Open Air Market Series is happening for two more Saturdays, 10/19 and 10/26. The event is free and open to the public. Be sure to check it out!