Once businesses have become established, they either keep their boxes or move to a larger space. The plan for most Boxville business owners is to grow while establishing a reputation in the community. When asked why he chose to open his store at Boxville, Gonzalez said, “Having to go completely outside of my neighborhood to the north side to get shoes and other training gear, I didn’t want other runners to have to go through that.” As a runner, he saw the need for a shop to outfit runners. Ian Gonzalez, the proprietor, is passionate about his store. One of those shops, Last Lap Corner Store, is the only business on the south side of Chicago that sells running gear. It is also Black-owned. Neighborhood support for the Bike Box led to more shops being added. According to its website, “The Bike Box offers neighbors and commuters with bike sales and repair services, meeting their needs for transportation and community.” Residents, meanwhile, benefit from the convenience of nearby shopping.īoxille began in 2014 with a single box focused on bike repair. Seeing that the area had fallen into disrepair, local leaders decided to create a practical way for people to start a business without spending a lot of money.Įntrepreneurs just starting out may not be able to afford the money needed to build a thriving business. Boxville eliminates many of the hurdles that minority-owned businesses face by having lower start-up costs and a supportive community. They sell everything from clothing to running shoes to hot dogs.īoxville is located in the Bronzeville neighborhood, a historic center of African American culture and business. Owners sell their goods out of modified shipping containers instead of stores. That is the idea behind Boxville, a retail area on the South Side of Chicago. Shipping containers aren’t just for transporting goods. In 2018, Boxville introduced a host of new opportunities to engage local entrepreneurs, and unveiled the Neighborhood Square, the newest Boxville addition where patrons could enjoy all of the goods from their favorite vendors and relax just beyond the market.George visits Boxville, a collection of shops made from modified shipping containers, on the South Side of Chicago. Products ranged from fresh produce, prepared food and streetwear to handmade beauty care items, vintage lifestyle delights and a variety of “maker” products, with musical performances providing the heartbeat of the market. Boxville helped transform 51st Street: a blighted lot became a vibrant marketplace disconnected residents came together to taste, shop, and dance and, businesses with no place to go took root and blossomed…or were quickly revised, revamped, and re-positioned! …and 2018! In its inaugural season, Boxville hosted 64 locally-owned enterprises and more than 2500 patrons in 16 market sessions. The lack of local amenities, shared spaces, and legitimate economic opportunities drives the disengagement and conflict that mark many of our neighborhoods. Boxville taps into the undeniable talent, creativity, and resilience of Southsiders and the rich culture and commerce of the historic “Black Metropolis” to reengage present-day residents and rebuild Bronzeville as an exciting retail and cultural destination. Neighborhood challenges… and opportunities The resulting youth disengagement drives Chicago’s violence epidemic. Decades-long disinvestment has resulted in joblessness of half of black male adults, record teen unemployment, and little incentive for youth to invest in education and training. The lack of legitimate economic opportunities is the most important problem facing communities of color in Chicago. Serving Bronzeville residents and visitors with a mix of everyday essentials and unique products, Boxville builds community while offering local entrepreneurs affordable spaces for building their enterprises.īoxville was created to provide a fun and engaging destination in Bronzeville and deliver local, accessible entrepreneurship and job opportunities to young people in order to increase economic mobility, revitalize our community, and break Chicago’s cycle of violence. Making a Real Difference “Boxville”, located at 51st Street and the CTA Green Line, is Chicago’s first shipping container mall and street food market.
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