Container 'tiny' home proves to be a big draw at Daytona Beach Housing Fair

Clayton Park, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·3 min read

DAYTONA BEACH ― More than 200 people turned out Saturday for the Housing Fair & Financial Wellness Clinic at Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach to learn about how they might still be able to buy a home despite rising prices.

One new option presented this year was a "tiny home" on display made out of a metal shipping container.

""The turnout for this year definitely surpassed last year's attendance," said Lydia Gregg, a HUD counselor and assistant director with the Mid-Florida Housing Partnership in Daytona Beach. The nonprofit agency was one of the fair's organizers. "The container home was a big draw and created additional excitement."

Attendees check out the displays at the annual Housing Fair & Financial Wellness Clinic at Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach on Saturday, April 29, 2023. The event was put on by Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, the City of Daytona Beach, and the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors, along with the church to celebrate 55th anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act.

'Affordable alternative'

"I love it!," said Realtor Sue Odena, an agent with Coldwell Banker Commercial Benchmark, after touring the 320-square-foot container home by Snap Space Solutions.

"I can see converting containers into modular homes as a more affordable alternative," said Odena who serves on the City of Daytona Beach's affordable housing advisory board. "Most other construction methods for housing costs at least $200 a square foot which is prohibitive for many."

HOUSING MARKET OUTLOOK: Volusia, Flagler home prices keep rising, despite cooling demand. Here's why.

CITY STEPS UP: Daytona Beach mayor recruiting partners to create affordable housing

GROWING PRIORITY: Volusia County adopts plan to increase affordable housing

How much does it cost?

Chad Walton, the president and CEO of Snap Space Solutions, said the "turnkey" container home displayed at the housing fair is available for purchase for "about $59,000," including the appliances. "Within 15 minutes of setting it on the ground, you can be taking a shower or preparing a meal in it," he said.

Snap Space Solutions' website lists modular homes for sale starting at $69,900 for a 320-square-foot container efficiency unit with a full bath, $139,900 for a 640-square-foot two-bed home with a galley kitchen and laundry, and $199,900 for a 960-square-foot three-container home. The latter offers three bedrooms, two baths, an "open concept" living space, and laundry facilities.

Attendees of the Housing Fair & Financial Wellness Clinic at Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach on Saturday, April 29, 2023, check out a shipping container converted into a modular home by Snap Space Solutions. Prices start at $69,900, according to the Ormond Beach company's website. The event was put on by the church, Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, the City of Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors to mark the anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act in April 1968.

What is Snap Space Solutions?

Walton founded his company in 2005. He said he has built and sold custom modular homes as well as other facilities such as portable offices and restrooms, to customers throughout the country.

He recently moved to Daytona Beach's Latitude Margaritaville 55-and-older community and opened an office for Snap Space Solutions at 800 S. Nova Road in Ormond Beach.

"I'm now local," he said, adding, "We're looking for a location to build a factory here."

Attendees of the Housing Fair & Financial Wellness Clinic at Allen Chapel AME Church in Daytona Beach on Saturday, April 29, 2023, check out the inside of a shipping container converted into a modular home by Snap Space Solutions. Prices start at $69,900, according to the Ormond Beach company's website. The event was put on by the church, Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, the City of Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors to mark the anniversary of the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act in April 1968. Pictured in the foreground: LaShondra Robinson, housing manager for the City of Daytona Beach.

Who organized the housing fair?

The free event is held every year at the Allen Chapel AME Church at 580 George W. Engram Blvd. in Daytona Beach to celebrate the signing of the federal Fair Housing Act in April 1968. The fair's organizers include the church, Mid-Florida Housing Partnership, the City of Daytona Beach and the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors. A wide range of vendors were on hand to provide information on options for buying a home as well as how to achieve "financial wellness." The exhibitors included Realtors, title agents, property appraisers, bankers, financial planners and insurance agents.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach Housing Fair asks: Could you live in 'tiny' home?