Located in Tukwila, Washington, Starbucks just opened a new walk-up and drive-through only location (i.e. no indoor seating) made out of four shipping containers. Dubbed "The Reclamation Drive-Thru," we're wondering: is this a one-off design for Starbucks, or the first in a trend towards greener building?
The trendiness of shipping container buildings aside, Starbucks sees these as an opportunity to not only come full circle (since most of their products are shipped from their original locations in containers like these), but also as a great way to create pop-up shops or temporary shops while locations are under construction or renovation.
The shop pictured above has 448 square feet, which is the same amount of space that a brick and mortar Starbucks has behind their counter. It's enough room for three baristas to work, according to the Seattle Times, but requires that it's a grab and go location, rather than one where customers can sit inside and linger.
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Stop pushin' all my buttons, Starbucks.
No..no...no!! This store is in a beautiful location. "MOST" strip centers and retail areas are not that attractive and they sparsely place a few lousy plants in the parking lot. This will just be a cold and harsh addition in most communities. I hope that they choose styles that can transcend generations. Look to Europe and how old buildings have designs that transcend time.
I'm sorry, but every time I see these type of structures the only thing that comes to mind it "Dystopian Wasteland".
Have we fallen so far in building structures that we no longer have any style.
Let alone half a mind to "build to fit".
I think it's pretty spiffy! Cool idea
I think it would be far more green to skip building new structures, no matter how green, and put the Starbucks into an already existing building. It's not exactly like the world is short on those.
Yes, because Starbucks does not have enough locations already. See that patch of land behind the building? Tear up the concrete and turn it into green space instead. Reusing is wonderful - if it's something we need. This falls under the category of greed. Since Starbucks dropped their shade grown coffee I no longer buy from them.
Does anyone know how well (if at all) insulated these are? Is something usually done to add insulation when they're used as building material? We're getting a restaurant here in San Antonio made from shipping containers and I've been wondering if it will be worth going in the summer...
I heard there is already one across the street.
I am a little disappointed by the drive thru aspect.
If there's no inside seating, why does it need the two units on top? Otherwise, interesting idea.
I don't know if anyone has actually been to East Marginal Way, but I think "beautiful" is a gross overstatement. This is where it's located. Perfect for a shipping container.