Stacks on Polk: Phoenix’s New Apartment Complex Built from Shipping Containers

In a city where housing affordability remains a pressing issue, Phoenix is seeing a creative architectural experiment: Stacks on Polk, a 19-unit apartment complex built almost entirely from recycled shipping containers. The project has just been completed, and it already attracts attention for its efficient use of modular construction, lower cost structure, and bold aesthetic.

A New Direction in Multifamily Housing

Stacks on Polk is the first Phoenix project by modular housing developer Tudo Capital, and it serves as a real-world proof of concept. The property sits just east of Phoenix, near Loop 202 at 53rd Street and Polk, putting it within reach of transit, the Sky Harbor Airport, and local attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden and the Phoenix Zoo.

The building is constructed using 45 recycled shipping containers, which were converted into 19 apartment modules. Some units use combinations of two to three containers to shape floorplans and layouts.

Keeping Housing Affordable

One of the driving goals behind Stacks on Polk is lowering the cost of multifamily housing development. By reusing shipping containers, leveraging prefabrication, and centralizing much of the labor in a controlled factory setting, Tudo Capital aims to offer construction costs that are 30 percent lower than traditional site-built projects. That difference enables more flexibility in rent pricing and helps in markets where conventional construction faces cost pressures.

Rent at Stacks on Polk start around $1,250 per month for one-bedroom units. Given the location and the novelty of the construction, that figure stands out as competitive. The developer positions the complex as part of a broader effort to keep multifamily housing accessible in Phoenix.

Design, Challenges, and Appeal

From the exterior, the stacked shipping containers lend a bold, industrial-modern look. Because the containers are modular by nature, the design leans into repetition, straight lines, and efficient stacking. That said, the interior finishes aim to counterbalance the “metal box” feel with livable spaces: insulation, natural light, and standard residential amenities. 

One technical challenge in shipping container-based housing is meeting local building codes and standards. Tudo Capital worked to certify each unit to Phoenix’s building code requirements so that the modules are fully code-compliant. This means each shipping container module meets standards for structure, fire safety, energy efficiency, and more.

Because much of the work is done offsite, there’s reduced waste, better quality control, and shorter schedules on the property site. On-site work involves connecting modules, finishing touches, site utilities, and landscaping rather than full-scale construction from ground up.

Location and the Future

Stacks on Polk’s location is well chosen. It is minutes from central corridors and major transit arteries, making it easier for residents to commute or access city amenities. The developer sees this as a first step: the hope is that similar modular, container-based projects will become more common in Phoenix and the Southwest. Tudo Capital is already in early planning for additional developments in Arizona.

Stacks on Polk is not unique in concept: shipping container housing and modular construction have been explored in many markets. But what makes this one notable is the scale, the integration into a city market, and the fact it's arriving now at a time when many cities struggle with rising construction costs and housing shortages.

Why Stacks on Polk Matters

• Proof of concept for modular housing: It shows you can build a multifamily community using shipping containers while meeting local codes and providing attractive residences.

• Cost control: The cost savings and efficiencies make it more feasible to deliver housing without completely inflating rent.

• Sustainability angle: Recycling shipping containers, reducing site waste, and prefabricating the bulk of construction all help lower environmental impact.

• Inspirational model: If successful, this project could inspire other developers in Phoenix and beyond to consider modular, container-based approaches.

The success of Stacks on Polk will depend on leasing uptake, long-term maintenance, resident satisfaction, and whether it can deliver performance comparable to traditional builds. But at this point, it stands as a bold experiment in rethinking how we build apartments in fast-growing metro areas with cost pressure.

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