Shipping Container Retail Center to Provide Affordable Space for Micro-Businesses in Arlington

Ron Sturgeon, owner of RDS Real Estate, is developing Boxes at Sublett, a retail center constructed from approximately 30 shipping containers scheduled to open in Summer 2026 at 5100 W. Sublett Road in South Arlington, Texas. The project is specifically designed to create affordable retail space for the smallest businesses, addressing what Sturgeon identifies as a critical need in Tarrant County. "I'm especially excited about Boxes at Sublett because it will bring extra-small retail spaces for micro-enterprises that are not available anywhere in Tarrant County to an innovative community like Arlington with its many attractions," Sturgeon said.

The use of shipping containers for construction represents a growing trend that has been implemented in cities such as Nashville, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Wesley Chapel, Florida. Sturgeon brings prior experience with this innovative construction method; his first shipping container project was the Box Office Warehouse Suites in the Fort Worth Design District, which was built using more than 120 containers. Another development in his portfolio, Mouser Self-Storage in Alvarado, similarly focuses on providing affordable storage solutions. Sturgeon's positive experiences with container construction led him to build a personal three-story home using shipping containers in 2022, featuring energy-efficient design and amenities including a temperature-controlled garage.

Boxes at Sublett will be strategically located adjacent to Sublett Center, a traditional retail center also owned by RDS Real Estate that is anchored by a Salon & Spa Galleria, one of over 22 locations in the greater Fort Worth area. The Salon & Spa Galleria business model similarly caters to small business owners by providing luxurious yet affordable salon suites for independent beauty and wellness professionals. This alignment underscores RDS Real Estate's consistent focus on supporting small enterprises through innovative real estate solutions.

Sturgeon emphasized the significant challenges encountered during the development process, citing extensive delays and bureaucratic hurdles from the city of Arlington. "It took us 4 years of delays and red tape to get all the necessary approvals for this project. They seemed to want to fight us all the way," he stated. He criticized current municipal codes and processes as overly restrictive, creating substantial barriers for entrepreneurs without substantial financial resources. "The current codes and processes are so restrictive that they can become a real barrier, especially for entrepreneurs who don't have the resources to invest so much time and money in a process with no guarantee of success," Sturgeon added, highlighting systemic issues facing small business development.

Despite these significant obstacles, Sturgeon expressed optimism about the project's potential impact on the local business community. "Finally, Arlington will get a new small shopping center, specifically designed to appeal to micro stores, offices, hobbyists, and so on. We love mom and pops at RDS Real Estate and look forward to opening Boxes at Sublett in the Summer!" he said. The center aims to provide a professional physical presence for micro-businesses and hobbyists, filling a recognized gap in the local commercial real estate market and fostering entrepreneurial growth within the community. This development represents not only an innovative approach to commercial space but also addresses broader economic development needs by creating opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs who have been underserved by traditional retail models.