Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is planning to build a futuristic town in Texas, providing affordable housing for employees of his various companies, according to land records and sources familiar with the project. The town, referred to as “Snailbrook,” would be situated on thousands of acres of newly purchased land outside Austin and offer a unique living and working environment along the Colorado River.
The ambitious project would be in close proximity to both Boring and SpaceX facilities currently under construction. Snailbrook would feature modular homes, a pool, an outdoor sports area, and a gym. Elon Musk envisions the town as a Texas utopia where employees from Boring, Tesla, and SpaceX can live and work at below-market rents.
The Boring Company, Musk’s tunnel operation, has reportedly been researching the possibility of incorporating the town in Bastrop County, about 35 miles from Austin. This would allow Musk to set some regulations in his own municipality and expedite his plans.
Over the past three years, entities tied to Musk’s companies or executives have purchased at least 3,500 acres in the Austin area. Some local real estate and land officials believe that Musk may own as much as 6,000 acres in the region.
The project is separate from another plan to build a private residential compound for Musk himself. Both projects require Musk’s approval, and sellers involved in the land purchases often sign nondisclosure agreements.
As the visionary behind the project, Elon Musk aims to create a thriving community for his employees in a Texas oasis, where innovation and collaboration can thrive.
In addition to residential areas, Snailbrook would also feature facilities to support the community, such as a Montessori school for up to 15 students. This would provide educational opportunities for the families of employees living in the town. Local economic development officials, who were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements when Boring announced its arrival, have been working closely with Musk’s companies to support the project.
Despite concerns raised by some locals about potential environmental impacts on water quality and a lack of transparency in the development process, others welcome the new housing opportunities and economic growth the project could bring to the region. Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt has called for a public environmental hearing in response to concerns raised by local landowners.
While the full scope and timeline of the Snailbrook project remain unclear, Elon Musk’s ambitious plan to build a futuristic town in Texas could revolutionize the way companies approach employee housing and work-life balance. By creating a unique environment for employees to live, work, and collaborate, Musk continues to push the boundaries of innovation and redefine the future of sustainable living.
source: The Wall Street Journal
