Nashville’s 83 Freight Shipping Container Apartments

In Nashville, Tennessee, a groundbreaking apartment community is redefining what it means to live sustainably and affordably in the city. 83 Freight Container Apartments bring industrial charm and innovative design to the heart of the Wedgewood-Houston (WeHo) neighborhood, just three miles south of downtown. As the largest container apartment complex in the United States, this unique development offers a glimpse into the future of urban housing.

The Vision Behind 83 Freight

The WeHo area has experienced rapid revitalization, with industrial spaces transforming into trendy restaurants, shops, and nightlife spots. Anchored by the nearby Geodis Park soccer stadium, the neighbourhood was a prime location for developer Shawn Bailes to bring his container apartment vision to life.

Working with engineers and designers, Bailes aimed to create a community that combined modern, space-efficient design with the affordability and sustainability of shipping containers. By constructing at scale, 83 Freight was able to reduce costs while delivering high-quality housing to younger, minimalist-minded residents.

Innovative Design Meets Industrial Style

83 Freight’s three buildings are constructed from 173 one-trip shipping containers, stacked and arranged to create 83 individual rental units. The architecture features striking elements such as containers intersecting at right angles and cantilevering over each other, creating an eye-catching street view.

The raw, unpainted Corten steel of the containers has been left to develop a protective rust coating, giving the complex a rich patina. Standard shipping container doors have been welded open at 90 degrees to serve as integrated patio features, and custom catwalks with metal railings and concrete floors complete the industrial aesthetic.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Sustainability was a top priority for the developers of 83 Freight. The complex features high-performance windows, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and ample closed-cell insulation to reduce environmental impact. The use of high-cube containers allows for 9-foot interior ceilings, enhancing natural light and ventilation while giving the apartments a loft-like appearance.

Inside, the apartments retain many of the containers’ original features, such as exposed metal ceilings and the original wooden floors, which have been sealed for durability. These thoughtful design touches ensure that residents experience the full charm of container living without sacrificing comfort or quality.

A Range of Smartly Designed Floorplans

83 Freight offers five different floorplans to suit a variety of needs, all thoughtfully designed to maximise the utility of each shipping container:

320SF Studio
640SF One-Bedroom
640SF One-Bedroom with Private Rooftop Deck
960SF Two-Bedroom with Two Baths
1280SF Two-Bedroom with Two Baths

The modular design ensures that each floorplan uses containers efficiently, creating cohesive spaces that balance functionality with industrial style.

Recognition for 83 Freight’s Unique Design

Since its completion in mid-2021, 83 Freight has been recognised as a historic and innovative development. The complex won two awards at the 42nd annual Aurora Awards during the Southeast Building Conference, solidifying its reputation as a leader in container construction.

This recognition highlights the potential of container architecture to blend affordability, sustainability, and modern design. Whether you’re a fan of container homes or simply interested in creative housing solutions, 83 Freight is a shining example of what’s possible.