— A mixed-use shipping container concept is headed to Frontier at Research Triangle Park next year.

Boxyard RTP, a 15,000-square-foot shipping container development, will have space for up to nine food and beverage vendors, in addition to several retailers and service providers, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina announced Thursday.

"Boxyard RTP is a workhorse opportunity for RTP and the region,” Research Triangle Foundation president and CEO Scott Levitan said. “Experimental food, libations and retail, cool programming and event opportunities will flip the energy switch for RTP and our neighborhood communities.”

The food and beverage containers will have partial kitchen equipment. Boxyard will have outdoor covered seating and space for events and performances. Located near an existing dog park, the space will also be dog-friendly.

Boxyard RTP was inspired by a similar development in Oklahoma. Both utilize re-purposed shipping containers to create a food and retail spaces.

“The Boxyard fosters a sense of community and a sense of place, and we have seen it become a de-facto incubator for both food and retail businesses,” said Casey Stowe, developer of the Boxyard concept. “Several of our original tenants have outgrown their original container and either expanded within the Boxyard or into other locations.” While the Tulsa location is largely composed of retail shops, Boxyard RTP will be focused on local food offerings and programmatic experiences.