Pop-up ‘Boxville’ shipping container market returns to Bronzeville

With the return of warm weather (sort of), the Bronzeville community recently reopened its popular pop-up shipping container market known as Boxville. Located just east of the 51st Street Green Line Station on Chicago’s South Side, the food and retail market provides a low-cost way for local businesses to set up shop.

Now in its third season, the Boxville market is part of the larger Build Bronzeville community revitalization initiative supported by Urban Juncture, the MacArthur Foundation’s Vital Communities grant, and funding from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and American Express.

“Build Bronzeville uses the culture and people of our historic community to develop commerce and bring jobs back for residents and to attract visitors to enjoy our unique food, music, and the arts,” said Bernard Loyd, president and founder of Urban Juncture, in a statement. “And Boxville is a key part of that effort.”

Wednesday’s launch event coincided with Juneteenth, the nationwide celebration commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The temporary outdoor mall bills itself as Chicago’s first shipping container market, a concept that others have successfully replicated in other parts of the city.

Earlier this month, in the West Loop, the Box Shops by Related installation returned for its second season at 725 W. Randolph Street. Chicago developer Related Midwest eventually plans to build a 52-story mixed-use tower at the site.