Two young Torontonians have joined forces with the province to create a unique marketplace, to be called Stackt, opening this summer at Bathurst and Front Streets. Tyler Keenan and Matt Rubinoff are building a modular space of shipping containers on a 100,000 sq ft vacant lot that was a slaughterhouse until 2014. The space will be used for community gatherings, programming, retail, and cultural activities. The land is leased on a temporary basis for 2 ½ years. The ever-changing Stackt will then either close or move as the area will turn into a city park.
Stackt will offer flexible lease lengths to companies, as well as adjustable spaces. Some “anchor” tenants have already signed up for the 2 ½ year course, while the remaining spaces will constantly change and evolve with various pop-up stores and brands. Lease prices will be comparable to the rest of the city. “We’re providing something a little bit different from the traditional model,” Keenan said. “Brands want shorter opportunities,” Keenan noted that 15% of the space will be allocated to retail and the rest to cultural and programming activities.
Signed up tenants include a brewery, some artists, non-profits, and fitness providers. While the concept of containers has been used before, it’s never been done at this scale.
It’s a win-win situation for everyone. The neighborhood is excited about having the temporary marketplace, and look forward to having a park in the densely populated area. The two entrepreneurs see the temporary space as a testing ground for their brand and themselves, a place for them to learn and discover. The project hopes to attract innovative companies to the area. If Stackt is successful, the owners will expand to other sites.
Image: Stackt
Image: Stackt
Source: thestar.com
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