[showerst]

Can someone who knows a bit more about this idea chime in on if it's really plausible? A multi-story building in NYC with an elevator for 1.5MM?

Do they already own the land or something? It sounds like at least one of the partners already runs a hacker space so I assume they know what they're doing, but it sounds wildly implausible to me. The typos and errors on the page don't exactly inspire confidence either =P

[duiker101]

You missed the part where it would be made with containers. I assume they do not know what they are doing.

[Moto7451]

Containers can make for some very cool architecture.

http://weburbanist.com/2008/05/26/cargo-container-homes-and-...

That said I agree that this looks like its a very idealistic project that lacks an actual plan besides "cool ideas + money = awesome."

[stephengillie]

A connex (45' long container trailer) looks to cost around $1000-$3000 on eBay, and I think I've heard that's a typical price for one. I'd budget another $3000 to make it livable - installing drywall walls, electrical outlets, plumbing a toilet and mini-kitchenette, and a door and window.

The biggest price will be land.

Interestingly: http://containerhouse.info/how-to-buy-container-home/

[protomyth]

more info from 2011: http://www.archdaily.com/160892/the-pros-and-cons-of-cargo-c...

I do think they would run into trouble with the local building codes and inspectors.

[mcormier]

"Shipping container architecture gets a lot of encouraging coverage in the design world as a trendy green alternative to traditional building materials, and seems like a smart choice for people looking for eco-consciousness. However, there are a lot of downsides to building with cargo containers. For instance, the coatings used to make the containers durable for ocean transport also happen to contain a number of harmful chemicals, such as chromate, phosphorous, and lead-based paints. Moreover, wood floors that line the majority of shipping container buildings are infused with hazardous chemical pesticides like arsenic and chromium to keep pests away."

YIKES!!

[psytek]

The container prep will be done offsite. This is a prefab project.

[psytek]

Our plan is up to code, and of course we'll make sure that everything will pass inspection. Mayor Bloomberg is also pushing for green projects like this, so the wait time for a permit is much less.

[columbo]

Metal walls also cause condensation. Here's a good reference: http://www.tincancabin.com/

Building a 3 container cabin I believe wound up costing the guy $25,000

I've been thinking of making a tin-can-cabin, some sort of summer-vacation spot but I can't imagine trying to make a all-year-livable space in new york with containers. May as well buy an old building and pay to clean out all the asbestos.

[psytek]

We've added more concrete details to the plan. Thanks for the feedback.

[psytek]

http://www.platoon.org/

[JBionics]

From the site: "Our goal is to raise $5,000,000. Our modest crowdfunding goal to get us started is $1,500,000."

$1.5MM hardly seems modest.

[evoxed]

Depends where in New York City. Manhattan, no way. 1.5m would cover just the buying price of a single apartment in any new building. Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, SI– "maybe". As in, if they're both brilliant and well disciplined planners and happen to be lucky...

[psytek]

Shipping containers cost about $5k each new... The lot we're buying costs $950k - both well within our initial $1.5M budget.

[psytek]

Yes, check out http://www.platoon.org/ We're buying the land. Copy has been updated.