Imagine opening the French doors of your portable home with your favorite backdrop. Portable architectural possibilities are Alexandria furniture designer Daniel Donnelly's latest obsession.
Donnelly is seeking approval for a special use permit after the fact for three large taupe marine shipping containers at the entrance to his workshop at 80 S. Early Street. The modern furniture design business is located in the city's industrial area near police headquarters, with open-sided containers set up as a showroom for potential customers during the pandemic.
Although Donnelly hasn't sold anything yet, he says the shipping containers — one 40-by-8-foot container and two 20-by-8-foot containers — are now essential to his business. They are completely empty, cost him more than $30,000 each, and are useful for creating “portable architectures,” he says. The containers are waterproof even when locked, and are currently packed with modern furniture.
“You just put it on a tractor-trailer and take it wherever you want,” Donnelly said of shipping containers. “We have added beautiful treatments such as heating and flooring. It is fully insulated with environmentally and sustainably harvested plywood.”
Donnelly has been in business in the city since 1986, with a small staff that has worked in numerous Hollywood locations, including Richard Gere's office in “The Runaway Bride” and Steve Martin's desk in “The Spanish Prisoner.” We have produced hit furniture. He also credits his company with creating the furniture for Saturday Night Live's dressing room and Seth Meyers' personal office.
“I made the furniture for his office,” Donnelly said. “When he opens his desk drawer, he sees my name.''
