Freight Yard complex may transform Railroad Square

The Freight Yard complex will be located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and All Saints Street.
Photo Submitted by Alyssa Camacho.

Railroad Square has been in the process of revamping its streets and making room for local and national businesses to thrive.

New residential facilities are included in the changes.  By the end of 2020 residents will see one of the most eclectic designs the city has ever witnessed: the Freight Yard complex, owned by Blue Dog Investments LLC.

Just as the name suggests, this apartment complex will be made completely out of shipping containers. Paul Bradshaw, owner of Blue Dog Investments, recruited Phoenix architect Wes James who’s become one of the top architects in the industry for his unique shipping-container designs to create this mixed-used complex.

“I wanted something that was industrial and matches the area,” said Bradshaw.

The mixed-use complex will include 28 apartments all powered by 230 solar panels that will be placed on the roof of the buildings.

Along with the design of the complex, the location is what Bradshaw also feels will be a great selling point.

Freight Yard complex will be located at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and All Saints Street.

“The location is everything. This area has almost everything anyone would need. There’s the Greenwise, which is probably a 60 second walk from the complex, two convenience stores, multiple restaurants and eateries,” said Bradshaw.

Bradshaw said that the biggest highlight is that it is located in between FSU and FAMU.

According to the complex’s website both universities are less than a 5-minute walk from the complex.

“This complex isn’t geared to just college students, it’s not going be a student living facility. The target audience or people we’re trying to attract are young professionals, so mid-20s and 30 year-old professionals.”

Economically speaking, many feel adding more residential spaces to the area will be a big advantage for the local businesses.

FSU student Nicolette Hill says she frequents the Railroad Square area often, and believes the complex will add more foot traffic to the area.

“There’s a lot of places to discover and uncover over here. So adding more housing in the area, I believe will only benefit businesses. People get hungry, people like to shop, people like to hang out at the club. There’s literally all of that over here,” said Hill.

Freight Yard may also stimulate the economy in various ways. Bradshaw and James included in their design five retail stores, various restaurants, a few pop-up shops and an open courtyard for dining. 

“The last phase of this project will be renovating the front half to create the shops and restaurants,” said Bradshaw.

According to Bradshaw the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of May this year.