RDS Real Estate to Develop Shipping Container Retail Center in South Arlington

Ron Sturgeon, owner of RDS Real Estate, is developing Boxes at Sublett, a retail center constructed from approximately 30 shipping containers scheduled to open in Summer 2026 at 5100 W. Sublett Road in South Arlington. The project is specifically designed to create affordable retail space for the smallest businesses, which Sturgeon identifies as a critical unmet need in Tarrant County.

"I'm especially excited about Boxes at Sublett because it will bring extra-small retail spaces for micro-enterprises that are not available anywhere in Tarrant County to an innovative community like Arlington with its many attractions," Sturgeon said. The development represents a strategic response to the shortage of affordable commercial real estate options for entrepreneurs and hobbyists seeking professional storefronts without the financial burden of traditional retail spaces.

The use of shipping containers for construction follows a growing national trend implemented in cities including Nashville, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Wesley Chapel, Florida. Sturgeon brings prior experience with this innovative building method; his first shipping container project was the Box Office Warehouse Suites in the Fort Worth Design District, built using more than 120 containers. Another development, Mouser Self-Storage in Alvarado, similarly offers affordable storage solutions. Sturgeon's positive experience with the construction method led him to build a personal three-story home using shipping containers in 2022, featuring energy-efficient design and amenities like a temperature-controlled garage.

Boxes at Sublett will be strategically located adjacent to Sublett Center, a traditional retail center also owned by RDS Real Estate and anchored by a Salon & Spa Galleria, one of over 22 locations in the greater Fort Worth area. The Salon & Spa Galleria business model similarly caters to small business owners by providing luxurious yet affordable salon suites for independent beauty and wellness professionals. This alignment underscores RDS Real Estate's consistent focus on developing commercial properties that support small enterprises and independent operators.

Sturgeon emphasized the significant challenges encountered during the development approval process, citing extensive delays and bureaucratic hurdles from the city of Arlington. "It took us 4 years of delays and red tape to get all the necessary approvals for this project. They seemed to want to fight us all the way," he stated. He criticized current municipal codes and processes as overly restrictive, creating substantial barriers for entrepreneurs without substantial financial resources. "The current codes and processes are so restrictive that they can become a real barrier, especially for entrepreneurs who don't have the resources to invest so much time and money in a process with no guarantee of success," Sturgeon added.

Despite these regulatory obstacles, Sturgeon expressed strong optimism about the project's potential community impact. "Finally, Arlington will get a new small shopping center, specifically designed to appeal to micro stores, offices, hobbyists, and so on. We love mom and pops at RDS Real Estate and look forward to opening Boxes at Sublett in the Summer!" he said. The center aims to provide a professional commercial presence for micro-businesses and hobbyists, filling a significant gap in the local retail market while fostering entrepreneurial growth throughout the Arlington community. The project's completion could establish a new model for affordable commercial development in Texas, potentially influencing how municipalities approach zoning and approval processes for innovative small business spaces.