Detroit to build container hotel, condos, but toxic fears raised

DETROIT developers have announced a project to build a 36-room hotel made of shipping containers on the downtown Dequindre Cut at a cost of US$4 million.

The news comes after developers revealed a US$3.4 million project that is to create 20 condo units out of cargo boxes near Wayne State University in Midtown, reports Detroit's MLiveMedia Group. Construction is to begin this year.

It noted that according to Wikipedia the developments are known as "cargo-tecture", a trend that has been taking off in other parts of the country and the world.

Housing made from used cargo containers is seen as an environmentally-friendly way of deposing of these large steel boxes. However, critics point to concerns over the difficulty to heat the steel boxes and health risks posed by the containers' possible exposure to toxic chemicals in their past working lives.

The condo units will range in size form 850 to 1,920 square feet, with prices yet to be determined. A $350,000 model unit is being built.

Meanwhile, plans for the hotel are gathering steam, with Shel Kimen reported to be near to securing the first round of seed money for the project and has already assembled an advisory board of local entrepreneurs and designers. She is also nearing an agreement with the city to buy one acre of land for the project.