SOMERVILE, MA—Visitors of Federal Realty's Assembly Row neighborhood here will soon experience a one-of-a-kind retail venue that pays homage to the area's industrial past.

On Aug. 2, a new dining and retail venue created out of shipping containers will open for the first time at the corner of Canal Street and Grand Union Boulevard here. The container courtyard development that makes up SOMBLOX was built by Boxman Studios of Charlotte, NC. SOMBLOX'S four modified 20-foot shipping containers serve as a homage to Somerville's historically industrial past.

Somerville Brewing Company's American Fresh Taproom occupies two of the container spaces and will open on Aug. 2, Boxman Studio officials say.

The four containers create three distinct spaces that are all ADA accessible and include electrical and lighting. Two containers are designed for retail spaces with easy-to-open eight-foot hinged storefront windows and steel doors.

“The Row is the first neighborhood of its kind in the country, offering outlet retail alongside restaurants, apartments and office space and SOMBLOX will add a unique twist to the overall experience,” says Russ Joyner, vice president and general manager, Federal Realty at Assembly Row. “We wanted to highlight Somerville's artistic community and its heritage, and SOMBLOX will be the perfect blend of the two. Locals will feel right at home, entrepreneurs and growing businesses can test drive their concepts, and visitors will be introduced to a slice of local flavor.”

Boxman Studios' Architectural Designer Taylor Bishal adds, “We love to work with companies like Federal Realty that really embrace the potential of shipping container architecture. Using modern design elements like large hinged storefront windows, along with things like accent rope lighting, we're able to merge the trendy beer garden environment with a backyard feel.”