A reader tipped us off about seeing a strange sight on the 2200 block of Alter St. yesterday. Terry writes ‘I was driving down 23rd Street and saw this big blue thing on Alter Street out of the corner of my eye. I sped around the block to come back to get a closer look at this thing, which sticks out in this neighborhood like it came from outer space.’

Terry, you ain’t kidding.

Holy smokes

Unusual to say the least

The building is owned by Octo Enterprises, the same people who own the artist studio workspaces down the block, located in a former biscuit factory.

That's Octo, in the background

Our reader chatted with someone who seemed like one of the owners, who told him that the new building will be additional artist workspace, with the option to build a loft in the back at some point in the future. The building is modular and made out of steel. Though the materials resemble shipping containers, none were harmed in the construction of the building.

It’s certainly cool to see this unique architectural choice being made, and we’re glad to see some new development so close to Washington Ave. in Point Breeze.

We’re only left with two questions: 1) When will the empty lots on either side of this building, also owned by Octo, be developed? 2) What will SPHINC do when they find out about this thing?

Shhhhh….