Shipping Container Retail Center to Open in Arlington, Addressing Small Business Affordability

Ron Sturgeon, owner of RDS Real Estate, is developing Boxes at Sublett, a retail center built from approximately 30 shipping containers scheduled to open in summer 2026 at 5100 W. Sublett Road in South Arlington, Texas. The project is designed to create affordable retail space for micro-enterprises, a segment Sturgeon says lacks options in Tarrant County. This development follows the growing trend of using shipping containers for construction, seen in cities like Nashville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, and Wesley Chapel, Florida.

Sturgeon, a longtime advocate for small businesses, stated the project aims to address the "real struggle" entrepreneurs face when launching new ventures. Boxes at Sublett will offer small spaces tailored for micro-businesses, hobbyists, and offices seeking a professional presence. The center is adjacent to the existing Sublett Center, a traditional retail property also owned by RDS Real Estate and anchored by a Salon & Spa Galleria, another model designed for independent beauty and wellness professionals.

The importance of this development lies in its potential to lower entry barriers for local entrepreneurs. Affordable commercial space is often scarce, and Sturgeon emphasized that restrictive city codes and lengthy approval processes can hinder small business growth. He reported that obtaining necessary approvals for Boxes at Sublett took four years due to delays and bureaucratic challenges, which he described as "way beyond unreasonable" and a barrier for resource-limited entrepreneurs.

This project is not Sturgeon's first venture using shipping containers. His prior developments include the Box Office Warehouse Suites in Fort Worth's Design District, constructed with over 120 containers, and Mouser Self-Storage in Alvarado. His positive experience led him to build a personal energy-efficient home from containers in 2022. The new retail center could influence local economic development by fostering small business innovation and providing a model for cost-effective commercial construction in the region.

For the Arlington community, Boxes at Sublett represents an addition to the area's retail landscape, specifically catering to micro-stores and independent operators. Its success may encourage similar projects, potentially increasing small business vitality and commercial diversity in Tarrant County. The center's opening, now set for summer 2026 after prolonged approvals, highlights ongoing discussions about municipal processes and their impact on entrepreneurial opportunities.