How Boma Properties Helped Build the 83 Freight Container Apartment Project in Nashville

Before becoming known as The Byrum Apartments in Nashville, the project was developed under the name 83 Freight and quickly became one of the most recognized shipping container construction projects in the United States.

Built using more than 150 purpose-built steel containers, the development demonstrated how modular container construction could be applied at a commercial scale for multifamily housing.

The project helped showcase the potential of container-based construction beyond single-family homes and small cabins, proving that shipping containers could be incorporated into large residential and hospitality developments.

Purpose-Built for Construction

Unlike traditional used shipping containers, the units used for this project were manufactured specifically for construction applications.

The containers were produced without exterior paint, allowing the Corten steel to naturally weather and develop the distinctive industrial appearance that became a defining feature of the finished development. While the exterior develops a protective patina over time, the steel maintains its structural integrity and long-term durability.

This approach combined the strength of steel construction with a unique architectural style that helped distinguish the project from conventional apartment developments.

The Scale of Modular Construction

One of the most impressive aspects of the project was the amount of work completed before the containers ever arrived on-site.

Each unit required extensive fabrication and preparation, including:

• Structural steel modifications

• Custom framing and reinforcement

• Welding and connection points

• Mechanical and utility planning

• Preparation for stacking and installation

By completing much of this work in a controlled manufacturing environment, the project was able to reduce the amount of labor and construction activity required in the field.

Coordinating an International Supply Chain

Projects of this size require far more than fabrication alone.

After manufacturing was completed, the containers were transported across the Pacific, shipped through the Port of Savannah, and then moved by rail and truck to Nashville for final assembly.

The process involved coordination between:

• Manufacturing facilities

• International shipping providers

• Port operations

• Rail transportation

• Trucking companies

• On-site construction teams

At peak construction, multiple containers arrived on-site daily, where they were lifted into position and connected to form the overall structure.

The ability to manufacture, transport, and assemble components efficiently is one of the primary advantages of modular construction at scale.

What Developers Can Learn From Projects Like This

Large container developments demonstrate several advantages of modular construction:

• Reduced on-site construction time

• Improved manufacturing consistency

• Scalable building systems

• Durable steel construction

• Greater schedule predictability

• Distinctive architectural design

As labor costs and construction timelines continue to increase, developers are increasingly exploring off-site construction methods that can streamline project delivery without compromising quality.

Applying Those Lessons to Smaller Projects

While most people associate container construction with large developments like 83 Freight, the same principles apply to smaller residential and hospitality projects.

The benefits of off-site fabrication, efficient transportation, durable steel construction, and accelerated installation can be seen in everything from vacation rentals and hunting cabins to ADUs and full-time residences.

At Boma Properties, we apply many of the same modular construction principles to our container homes, helping customers create durable, efficient spaces that can be delivered and installed significantly faster than traditional construction.

The Future of Container Construction

Projects like The Byrum Apartments helped demonstrate that shipping containers can be used for far more than simple storage or temporary structures.

Today, developers continue to explore container-based construction for multifamily housing, hospitality projects, workforce accommodations, student housing, and recreational properties. As modular building systems continue to evolve, container construction remains one of the most innovative approaches to creating durable and efficient spaces at scale.