Building Legacy with Purpose: Inside S.I. Container Builds Visionary Navy Pier Project

As we continue to spotlight trailblazing efforts across the construction and modular building space, Offsite Dirt Network takes you to Chicago, Illinois—home to S.I. Container Builds, where innovation meets purpose. We had the privilege of stepping inside the company’s factory to speak with CEO, Rory Rubin about one of their most meaningful undertakings to date: the Navy Pier Legacy Project.

“This isn’t just about steel and structure—it’s about soul, community and creating something that will stand the test of time,” said Rory.

A Vision Rooted in Community

“As a business owner when you are blessed to get an opportunity to do something so unique, so community-driven, that it can truly shift perspectives you run with it,” Rory shared with us.

That’s exactly what the Navy Pier Legacy Project represents.

Standing at the heart of S.I. Container Builds' facility, we were surrounded by the very framework of what will soon become a lasting symbol of innovation, sustainability, and local pride. This project, commissioned for Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, encapsulates more than functional design—it tells a story about the city and the power of collaboration.

Why It’s Called a Legacy Project

“Legacy,” as Rory puts it, “isn’t about grandeur—it’s about impact.”

“We’re calling this the Legacy Project because it reflects everything we stand for—thoughtful construction, modular innovation, and above all, meaningful contribution to our community,” she said.

With S.I. Container Builds’ reputation for repurposing shipping containers into high-performance spaces, this Navy Pier build is a natural evolution. But what makes it different is the scale of influence. The project will serve as a community hub, a place where people gather, learn, and connect—something much bigger than the sum of its parts.

Modularity with a Mission

The project also signals a shift in how the construction industry is thinking about legacy.

It’s not just about large, permanent buildings anymore—it’s about adaptive, eco-conscious solutions that can be deployed in high-traffic public spaces like Navy Pier in downtown Chicago, IL. Each container module is being built with sustainability, efficiency, and flexibility in mind—demonstrating how offsite construction can elevate both function and form.

“Modular construction of course is about speed, but it is also about smart, intentional design,” Rory emphasized.

A Legacy That Lives On

The Navy Pier Legacy Project is more than just a professional milestone for S.I. Container Builds—it’s a personal one for everyone involved. It’s the kind of project that energizes a team, uplifts a community, and redefines what legacy truly means in today’s evolving construction landscape.

“It’s about building something that will outlast trends, that will serve people long after we’re gone,” Rory said.

“And standing inside that structure, watching it come to life piece by piece, you can feel it—this is history in the making,”  said Audree Grubesic, founder of the Offsite Dirt Network.

Final Thoughts

At Offsite Dirt Network, we believe the future of construction is defined not just by materials and methods, but by meaning. The Navy Pier Legacy Project is a shining example of how modular innovation, driven by purpose, can change the narrative of modern building.

As S.I. Container Builds continues to push the boundaries of design and impact, we look forward to seeing this legacy unfold—one container at a time.

Here’s to bold visions, community-first thinking, and a legacy worth building.