Q’anápsu is a 25-container dispensary built on the Cowlitz Reservation in Washington state (30 minutes north of Portland, Oregon). This project is one of the largest shipping container structures in the Western Hemisphere and is a true testament to volumetric modular construction. ROXBOX coordinated the design effort to create this double cantilever, two-story, 5,000 sqft. cannabis retail headquarters highlighting the Cowlitz Tribe’s commitment to sustainable development.

The dispensary features a check-in entrance/patio, large retail space, ATM room, photo/selfie room, product storage space, employee lounge, offices, and a secure driveway for product delivery. Ten 40’ containers make up the first level and fifteen 20’ & 40’ containers make up the second level. Two impressive cantilevers cap off the massive modular structure. The structure is painted Q’anápsu’s iconic green and is decorated with various types of branding. The detail that went into the build and significance of the project can best be described by the tribe themselves: “Welcome to Q’anápsu, a unique dispensary experience brought to you by the Cowlitz people. Q’anápsu in our language means grass. Just like the hearty grasses throughout the prairies as you look east from where you stand, Q’anápsu has a thousand stories to tell. From artwork representing our beautiful landscape, to the shapes of traditional cedar hats, you’ll see our stories are woven throughout our store.”

ROXBOX collaborated with the Gallagher agency to bring this project to life, and JVA provided structural engineering services for the project.

• Modular Building Institute 2024 Awards of Distinction: First Place – Permanent Modular Retail
• ACEC Colorado: 2024 Honor Award at the Engineering Excellence Awards