The Grove @1105: Clearwater’s Shipping Container Mall Aims to Revitalize North Greenwood
A new wave of innovation is set to take root in north Clearwater as the Clearwater Urban Leadership Coalition (CULC) spearheads an ambitious redevelopment known as The Grove @ 1105 — a mixed-use mini-mall constructed from repurposed shipping containers. The concept promises to transform an underused property near North Greenwood into a vibrant hub for small businesses and local entrepreneurship.
A Vision Rooted in Community Growth
The Grove @ 1105 is designed with purpose beyond its industrial-chic aesthetic. By using modular shipping containers, the CULC aims to reduce construction costs while offering affordable retail and restaurant spaces to local, minority, and women-owned businesses.
According to the coalition, the project seeks to become a launchpad for neighborhood revitalization, attracting foot traffic, new investment, and jobs to an area that has historically seen limited economic opportunity. The compact design allows for adaptable configurations—ranging from pop-up cafés and boutiques to small creative studios—all intended to foster a sense of community-driven progress.
Revitalizing North Greenwood
Situated just north of downtown Clearwater, the North Greenwood corridor has long been identified as a priority area for reinvestment. Once a historically segregated part of Pinellas County, the neighborhood has faced decades of disinvestment and economic stagnation.
The Grove project represents a growing trend toward modular, sustainable retail design that not only lowers costs but also brings a modern, walkable environment to overlooked areas. CULC leadership hopes this development will set the stage for broader economic renewal—encouraging nearby residential improvements and drawing in new civic activity.
Balancing Progress and Preservation
While enthusiasm surrounds the project’s potential, community stakeholders have expressed a desire to ensure that revitalization doesn’t come at the cost of displacement. The CULC has emphasized its commitment to inclusive development by prioritizing local vendors and keeping rental rates within reach of neighborhood entrepreneurs.
Their approach reflects a broader push within urban design circles to balance modern development with social equity—ensuring that growth serves the community rather than replaces it.
Looking Ahead
The Grove @ 1105 remains in the early stages of planning, with CULC actively hosting networking events for potential tenants and partners. Construction timelines have not yet been finalized, but organizers are optimistic about launching the project within the next year.
If successful, the Clearwater initiative could become a model for affordable, scalable redevelopment across Florida—merging innovation, sustainability, and community empowerment into one bold experiment in urban renewal.
