CHARLES CITY — A new retail center with a unique concept — businesses will operate out of repurposed shipping containers — is on par to open later this summer along Route 5 in Charles City County.
The county first approved the marketplace about two years ago as a way to revitalize the community, said Cynthia Boone, economic development and tourism manager for Charles City County.
“Market 5 is not just a new retail space; it’s a cornerstone of our vision for the future of Charles City,” Boone said. “Our goal is to create a space where small businesses and inspiring entrepreneurs can thrive and where the community can gather, enjoy and celebrate together.”
In October 2022, Charles City approved an agreement with Roxbox, a Colorado-based company that is considered an industry leader for custom shipping container structures that are utilized as space for restaurants and shops. The local project will emulate similar shipping container shopping centers that are popular in larger cities like Las Vegas, Detroit and Tampa, Florida.
Market 5, the first of its kind in Virginia, will feature a variety of vendors, artisans and food stalls operating out of six mobile shipping container units that are equipped with heating, air and electricity. The marketplace will include a concession stand, a restaurant and retail spaces, as well as a stage for entertainment and events. Eventually, the county would also like to host a farmers market at the site.
“We are looking forward to the positive impact this will have on our economy,” said Frank Crawley, owner of Hawks BBQ, one of the vendors at Market 5. “It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our products and connect with new customers.”
Slated to open in August, the market will be located along Route 5 adjacent to the Virginia Capital Trail. A goal is for it to be a destination for locals and tourists alike.
The shipping container units were delivered at the end of June. Although an exact opening date hasn’t been announced, the county is gearing up for a grand opening celebration. County officials are thrilled about the new attraction and what it will bring to the area.
“This is a monumental step forward for Charles City County,” County Administrator Michelle Johnson said. “Market 5 exemplifies our commitment to innovation, community engagement and economic growth. We are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our residents and local businesses. It is going to be something special.”
Three retail shipping container units that are 288 square feet are still available for lease, as well as a restaurant unit that is 133 square feet. For more information on leasing, contact Boone at 804-652-4708 or cboone@charlescityva.us. For more information on Market 5, visit visitmarket5.com.
Brandy Centolanza, bcentolanza@cox.net
![If it were not for the efforts of a William & Mary president in the 1960s there would not have been a marine science program to benefit from the school’s recent largest financial gift. Davis Y. Paschall, president 1960-1971, was instrumental in the development of the substantial academic programs of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) at nearby Gloucester Point on the York River, The Virginia Fisheries Laboratory was established in 1940 as the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory as a joint effort between W&M and the Virginia Commission on Fisheries (now the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. It was initially organized […]](https://www.pilotonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/6SCYSOUXX5GSHC7UWSYZ2RSEAU.jpg?w=408 "If it were not for the efforts of a William & Mary president in the 1960s there would not have been a marine science program to benefit from the school’s recent largest financial gift. Davis Y. Paschall, president 1960-1971, was instrumental in the development of the substantial academic programs of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) at nearby Gloucester Point on the York River, The Virginia Fisheries Laboratory was established in 1940 as the Virginia Fisheries Laboratory as a joint effort between W&M and the Virginia Commission on Fisheries (now the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. It was initially organized […]")
