SALT LAKE CITY -- On a street where brick and mortars seem to be a thing of the past, a cluster of new businesses housed in shipping containers hope to be the future of 300 West 700 South.
Situated within the Granary District, the containers line the street to form what is called Granary Row, an initiative to bring new business and activity into the area.
"It's hard to find places to go that are affordable, especially if you're not sure if your product is ready for the market," said Stacey Foster, owner of Mineral and Matter.
For $300 a month, Foster built a second location for her jewelry store inside one of the site's containers. While she maintains a permanent store downtown, the Granary Row spot offered a customer base on foot traffic she doesn't always get.
The row will open up every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for shops, music, food, and an outdoor Biergarten.
"Almost 30 percent of our neighborhood is dedicated to asphalt, and that's a very inefficient use of land and space. We came together as a neighborhood and said, 'Lets change that,'" said James Alfandre, founder of the non-profit group the Kentlands Initiative.
The group helped secure donors and funds for the project. In 2013, they opened the containers for the first time. However, a permitting issue prevented them from doing so last year. Now, they anticipate their return to be for the long-term.
"I can't see any negative downsides," said Spencer Daley, who co-owns Daley's Men's Shop.
The 21 year old is leasing a container on the street to market his new clothing business.
"I love the history," Daly said. "It really has a lot more potential than what it generally is throughout the year."
While Granary Row will only be open through August, the businesses hope to bring new life to the district, even if just for the season.
