Ron Sturgeon, owner of RDS Real Estate, is set to open Boxes at Sublett, a retail center constructed from shipping containers, in summer 2026 at 5100 W. Sublett Road in Arlington, Texas. The project, designed to support micro-enterprises, will feature approximately 30 shipping container spaces for small businesses, offices, and hobbyists. Sturgeon, a longtime advocate for small businesses, developed the concept to address the financial challenges startups face by offering affordable retail space.
This is not Sturgeon's first venture with shipping containers. His earlier project, Box Office Warehouse Suites in Fort Worth, used over 120 containers. Another development, Mouser Self-Storage in Alvarado, provides affordable storage for personal items, vehicles, and RVs. Sturgeon was so impressed with the eco-friendly containers that he built a 3-story home using them in 2022, featuring a temperature-controlled 9-car garage and a pool.
Boxes at Sublett is located adjacent to Sublett Center, a traditional retail center also owned by RDS Real Estate, which is anchored by a Salon & Spa Galleria. Like Boxes at Sublett, the Salon & Spa Galleria model caters to small business owners by offering affordable salon suites for independent beauty professionals.
Sturgeon expressed frustration with the lengthy approval process, stating it took four years of delays and red tape to secure permits. He criticized restrictive city codes that create barriers for entrepreneurs. Despite these challenges, he is excited to bring the innovative retail center to Arlington, which he describes as a community with many attractions. Boxes at Sublett is expected to fill a gap in Tarrant County by offering micro-retail spaces not currently available.
For more information about Boxes at Sublett or other commercial property for lease in the Fort Worth area, contact RDS Vice President Jim Eaton at (817) 439-3224.
