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In an effort to jump-start basic commerce in devastated Gulf areas, Metropolis Magazine and Modern Modular have joined forces with architects, designers, engineers, local governments and community organizations to develop a system of prefab buildings to serve as transitional retail "general stores" as well as community centers. Those who have committed to working on the design and implementation of these Retail Deployment Initiative (ReDI) structures include Rockwell Group, Unabridged Architecture, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, IDEO, Kalkin & Co., and the University of Virginia School of Architecture.

ReDI structures are being designed to be quickly deployable, highly functional, attractive, durable and sustainable. All of the structures will employ sustainable materials and have self-contained power, water and telecommunications sources. The firms involved are donating their skills and resources and working closely with community organizations and local government officials leading the region's recovery efforts.

ReDI is simultaneously initiating discussions with leading U.S. retailers and marketers of essential goods and services to brand and operate the retail outlets during a three-year transitional period. The proposal calls for the operators to donate a percentage of retail sales back to the community during the three-year commitment period, with the option of subsequently establishing a permanent presence. Alternately, communities will have the opportunity to assume ownership of the structures and determine their use going forward.