A HOME FOR CREATIVITY
Housing development made from shipping containers aims to be gathering place for artists, community
Steel boxes may not seem your typical conduits for creativity. But a new housing development in Logan Heights made of upcycled shipping containers is helping to change that narrative for some local artists.
In a part of the neighborhood that used to be filled primarily with junkyards, these corrugated metal buildings are more than recycled steel — they represent a reimagined community vision.
Stacked like colorful Legos, the shipping containers form Monarch Studios, a three-story, 21-unit apartment building that also offers affordable housing for local artists as part of its artists in residence project.
Two units so far have been transformed into full-time artist housing, and a third is gearing up to become a temporary home to rotating artists on a short-term basis. Project officials plan to keep expanding artist units in the complex as funding opportunities allow.
Managed by the real estate investment firm CoPlace, the housing complex and adjacent property aim to become a community hub for artists in Logan Heights, aimed at bringing the community together in celebration of their culture and craft, according to officials.
Since the 2021 opening of the Soap Factory, a mixed-use event center and actual soap factory, the property has continued to evolve and expand.
The recently completed Monarch Studios apartments overlook what is now a large courtyard dotted with diverse art installations and herb gardens. Beyond it sit a warehouse and semi-covered patio filled with vintage couches and decor.
The interconnected areas serve as community gathering spaces, performance spaces and work spaces where educational workshops and programming give neighbors the opportunity to learn while artists showcase their skills.
CoPlace co-founders Sasha Favelukis and Marc Berkowitz say the goal was to create a space that can adapt to the community’s needs and equip them with the tools necessary to thrive.
“We want this to be the catalyst for community resilience in a changing neighborhood,”