A new retail and restaurant complex popped up in the Research Triangle Park this week.
The Boxyard RTP uses a unique concept to help small businesses: repurposing shipping containers.
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The Research Triangle Foundation is using about 40-refurbished shipping containers to fill the once aging office park on N.C. Highway 54 and Davis Drive.
This unique idea has been in the works for nearly three years in an area that’s typically known as just space for companies and facilities.
"It’s a long time in the making. And we’re finally here," said Carolyn Coia, Senior Director of Real Estate.
The 18,000 square foot development is ready for retail and restaurants and live events.
"You know, there’s no food in the park. There’s no drinks in the park," Coia said. "There’s no entertainment in the park. Really we just needed to create that community."
Boxyard is right in between Raleigh and Durham and is meant to connect the two cities.
Boxyard's concept is also uplifting small businesses owners like Jake Wood, owner of Lawrence Barbecue, during the pandemic.
“When I was slicing the first bit of meat, I was holding back tears man. It was such an awesome moment," Wood said.
This is their first permanent location which completely sold out of food during its soft opening.
“When we got kicked off there was a line still standing out to the parking lot which was incredibly humbling," he said. "It was a dream come true."
About 15 different tenants will make up the Boxyard for now. The vision of this concept is bringing optimism, though, for the what’s to come in the future.
"It’s very special. It’s going to create thousands of memories for folks in area and in this neighborhood," Wood said. "That is why we do what we do."
All of the businesses in the space should be open in the next two to three months.