Best LEGO Modular Buildings: Complete Collector's Guide 2025
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LEGO Modular Buildings are expert-level sets that connect to form a city street. Since 2007, 19 modulars have been released with some worth $2,000+. This complete guide covers every modular, investment data, and collection strategies.
What Are LEGO Modular Buildings?
Modular Buildings are Creator Expert sets (18+) designed to connect into a continuous city street. Key features:
- Standardized footprint: 32×32 studs (10" × 10") with connection plates
- Detailed interiors: 2-3 floors with shops, apartments, offices
- Removable floors: Easy access for viewing/photography
- Advanced techniques: SNOT (Studs Not On Top), angled walls, textures
- Minifigures included: 5-10 per set with accessories
- Consistent scale: All modulars connect seamlessly regardless of year
Not for beginners: Modulars are expert-level builds requiring experience. If you're new to LEGO, see beginner-friendly sets first.
Complete Modular Buildings Timeline (2007-2025)
| Year | Set Name | Set # | Pieces | Retail Price | Current Value (Sealed) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Café Corner | 10182 | 2,056 | $150 | $2,000-$2,500 | Retired |
| 2007 | Market Street | 10190 | 1,236 | $90 | $1,500-$1,800 | Retired |
| 2008 | Green Grocer | 10185 | 2,352 | $150 | $1,200-$1,400 | Retired |
| 2009 | Fire Brigade | 10197 | 2,231 | $150 | $900-$1,100 | Retired |
| 2010 | Grand Emporium | 10211 | 2,182 | $150 | $700-$850 | Retired |
| 2011 | Pet Shop | 10218 | 2,032 | $150 | $700-$850 | Retired |
| 2012 | Town Hall | 10224 | 2,766 | $200 | $1,100-$1,300 | Retired |
| 2014 | Parisian Restaurant | 10243 | 2,469 | $160 | $800-$950 | Retired |
| 2015 | Detective's Office | 10246 | 2,262 | $160 | $550-$700 | Retired |
| 2016 | Brick Bank | 10251 | 2,380 | $170 | $500-$650 | Retired |
| 2017 | Assembly Square | 10255 | 4,002 | $280 | $550-$700 | Retired |
| 2018 | Diner | 10260 | 2,480 | $170 | $400-$550 | Retired |
| 2020 | Bookshop | 10270 | 2,504 | $180 | $180-$220 | Available (retiring soon) |
| 2021 | Police Station | 10278 | 2,923 | $200 | $200-$240 | Available |
| 2022 | Boutique Hotel | 10297 | 3,066 | $230 | $230-$270 | Available |
| 2023 | Jazz Club | 10312 | 2,899 | $230 | $230-$270 | Available |
| 2024 | Sanctum Sanctorum | 76218 | 2,708 | $250 | $250 | Available |
| 2024 | Medieval Town Square | 21349 | 3,304 | $230 | $230 | Available |
| 2025 | Natural History Museum (rumored) | TBD | ~3,000 | $230-250 | TBD | Not yet announced |
Data Sources: BrickLink, eBay sold listings. Values as of January 2025 for sealed, mint condition sets. Used/opened sets worth 40-60% of sealed value.
Detailed Reviews: Currently Available Modulars
1. Bookshop (10270) - 2020 - Buy Now Before Retirement
Price: $180
Pieces: 2,504
Retirement Risk: ⚠️ HIGH (5 years old)
Three-story bookshop with apartment above. Features working elevating desk, extensive book details, cozy reading nook. Why buy now: Oldest available modular (2020) = likely retiring in 2025. Current $180 will likely be $350-450 by 2028.
2. Police Station (10278) - 2021
Price: $200
Pieces: 2,923
Retirement Risk: ⚠️ MEDIUM (4 years old)
Classic police station with jail cells, office, living quarters. Includes police car. Brick-built trees and park bench. Investment potential: Likely retiring 2025-2026, moderate appreciation expected.
3. Boutique Hotel (10297) - 2022
Price: $230
Pieces: 3,066
Retirement Risk: ✓ LOW (3 years old)
Art Deco hotel with ground floor café, hotel lobby, two guest rooms. Stunning architecture with curved walls, golden accents. One of the most beautiful modulars ever released.
4. Jazz Club (10312) - 2023
Price: $230
Pieces: 2,899
Retirement Risk: ✓ LOW (2 years old)
1920s jazz club with tailor shop above. Features stage with instruments, dance floor, vintage details. Complements Boutique Hotel perfectly for an Art Deco street.
Collection Strategies
Strategy 1: Buy New Releases at MSRP (Lowest Risk)
Purchase each new modular when released (typically January-March). Build immediately or keep sealed for investment.
- Pros: No price premium, guaranteed availability, maximum enjoyment time
- Cons: Annual $230 commitment, need storage space
- Best for: Active collectors building complete streets
Strategy 2: Buy Oldest Available (Fastest Appreciation)
Always buy the oldest currently available modular. It will retire first and appreciate fastest.
- Pros: Maximize pre-retirement ownership time, lowest retirement risk
- Cons: May not fit your street theme
- Best for: Investors focused on ROI over aesthetics
Strategy 3: Complete Thematic Streets
Choose modulars that create a cohesive street theme (commercial, residential, civic, historical).
- Commercial street: Bookshop, Boutique Hotel, Diner, Corner Garage
- Civic street: Police Station, Town Hall, Post Office
- Art Deco street: Boutique Hotel, Jazz Club
- Residential: Town House, Brick Bank upper floors
Strategy 4: Wait for Sales (Budget-Conscious)
Modulars occasionally go on sale for 20-30% off during Black Friday, post-Christmas, or Prime Day.
- Pros: Save $40-70 per set
- Cons: Risk retirement before sale, inconsistent availability
- Best for: Patient collectors with flexible timelines
Display Guide: Building Your Modular Street
Space Requirements
Minimum (2-3 modulars): 20-30" × 10" shelf
Small street (4-5 modulars): 40-50" × 10"
Full street (6-8 modulars): 60-80" × 10" or two rows
City block (8-12 modulars): Custom baseplate with streets
Display Solutions
- IKEA Kallax: 13" × 13" cubes fit modulars perfectly
- Floating shelves: 12" deep, wall-mounted
- Custom baseplates: Connect multiple 32×32 plates for streets
- Glass display cases: Protect from dust, enhance lighting
Lighting Ideas
LED light kits transform modular displays. Options:
- Brick Loot, Light My Bricks: Custom kits for each modular ($50-100 per set)
- Generic LED strips: DIY installation ($20-30)
- Spotlight from above: Highlights architecture without internal lights
Investment Analysis: Modular vs. Other LEGO Themes
| Theme | Avg Annual Appreciation | Retirement Predictability | Collector Demand | Investment Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modular Buildings | 15-20% | High (2-3 year cycle) | Very High | Low |
| Star Wars UCS | 15-30% | Medium (unpredictable) | Very High | Medium |
| Architecture | 10-20% | Medium | High | Low |
| Icons | 12-25% | Low (varies widely) | High | Medium |
Why modulars are reliable investments:
- Consistent 2-3 year retirement cycle = predictable buy/sell timing
- Dedicated AFOL collector base always completing streets
- Display value even when opened (unlike UCS which need sealed)
- Limited production compared to mass-market themes
Complete LEGO investment guide with ROI analysis across all themes.
Upcoming Modulars: 2025-2026 Predictions
Likely 2025 release:
- Natural History Museum (rumored)
- Announcement: January-March 2025
- Price: $230-250
- Pieces: ~3,000
Community wishlist for future modulars:
- Hospital or Medical Center
- Library or University
- Theater or Cinema
- Art Museum or Gallery
- Train Station (corner modular)
Stay updated on which modulars are likely retiring in 2025. See retirement predictions and investment recommendations.
Start Your Modular Building Collection
Browse currently available modulars before they retire. The best time to buy is always now at MSRP.
Shop Modular Buildings →- Average appreciation: 15-20% annually after retirement
- Café Corner (2007): $150 → $2,000-$2,500 (1,500% ROI)
- Green Grocer (2008): $150 → $1,200-$1,400 (850% ROI)
- Fire Brigade (2009): $150 → $900-$1,100 (650% ROI)
- Market Street (2007): $90 → $1,500-$1,800 (1,800% ROI)
- Best retirement predictor: 2-3 years at retail
- Display space required: Each modular is 10" wide × 10" deep × 15" tall
- Full street needs: 6-8 modulars (60-80" of shelf space)
- Buy strategy: Purchase new releases immediately at MSRP
- Retirement watch: Oldest retail modular likely to retire next
- Budget: $180-250 per modular, $1,500-2,000 for full street
