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To the Elon Musk. Podcast This is a show where we
discuss the critical crossroads, the shape SpaceX.
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SpaceX is expanding its reach down at Starbase, Texas.
And I'm not talking about rockets.
I'm talking about something completely different, talking
about a shopping complex and a restaurant near Starbase.
It's named Rio West, and the project entails a $15 million
investment, according to the Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation filing. It's a significant shift for
Starbase and for SpaceX as they're getting it to retail,
commercial infrastructure and developments that are adjacent
to Starbase. Now, these figures are from the
TDLR, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and
they're shifting away from rockets a little bit and getting
into infrastructure of commercial developments that are
adjacent to the spaceport. Now the breakdown of cost for
the new development reveals that the restaurant is projected to
cost approximately $6.14 million while the shopping center is
estimated at 8.96 million. Now the restaurant which is
going to be amazing. It boasts a scenic view of the
Rio Grande. It's planned to cover 7680
square feet. The design includes a 3500
square foot area for indoor dining, a substantial 2500
square foot space for kitchen and back of house operations,
and a 930 square foot outdoor deck for guests to enjoy the
panoramic views of Texas. Now, according to the filing,
the purpose of the Rio West is to cater to the local community
and stimulate neighborhood development.
This aligns with Spacex's broader vision of creating a
whole ecosystem around Starbase that benefits the surrounding
community and the area. Now, the accompanying shopping
center is set to feature a diverse mix of retail outlets
including a grocery store and a cafe across an 11,200 square
foot space. Now the plans also highlight
additional enhancements such as landscaped areas and a parking
lot designated for staff equipped with 7 parking stalls.
Now the construction timelines for these projects are quite
specific with an expected commencement date of March 15th
and a completion target by the end of December.
Now this ambitious schedule indicates that SpaceX is
committed to rapidly developing the Rio West complex for future
space flights from Starbase. Now, WRNS Studio, which is a
California-based design firm, has been selected to lead the
architectural efforts for both the restaurant and the shopping
center. The firm is distinguished by its
headquarters location and it's recognition by the International
Living Futures Institute, having been awarded a huge award.
It's called the Just Label for its commitment to various equity
indicators. The development of Rio West
comes at a time when Spacex's activities at Starbase are
already having a notable impact on local businesses in the Rio
Grande Valley. Establishments in South Padre
Island, Port Isabel and also Brownsville have experienced
increased patronage due to space tourism, despite its inherent
unpredictability. Basically, if a launch is
scheduled for, let's say, a Monday, you may be there until
Friday because the launch might slip a little bit or you might
be there a couple weeks depending on what happens with
the hardware. One, for instance, is the
Grapevine Cafe in South Padre Island, and they see unusual
surges in customers during Space XS Starship launch events.
Now the cafe typically quieter during the fall and winter
months. I've been there and it is very
quiet. There's a few people in there.
But now during these launches, it's filled to capacity, which
illustrates the draw of Starbase and also the space launches.
Thousands of people will flood the area to see this gigantic
rocket fly. Now the influx of space
enthusiasts to the area, drawn by the spectacle of SpaceX
launches, has also provided a welcome economic boost.
Local businesses reporting significant uptick in revenue
attributed directly to the events at Starbase, which has
become a key attraction to the area.
It's a tourism area now and beyond the immediate economic
benefits, the presence of SpaceX in the region is fostering a
greater interest in space and technology among the local
population. Educational and professional
aspirations and fields related to aerospace are becoming more
prevalent, suggesting a long term positive effect on the
community's development. Now, despite these advancements,
though, Cameron County, where Starbase is located, still faces
challenges. With a significant portion of
its population living below the poverty line, Spacex's
contributions to the local economy are sustainable, but
have yet to fully address the broader socio economic issues.
The economic impact of SpaceX extends beyond direct employment
and local spending, though. The company's investment in the
area, particularly the Starbase area, amounts to billions of
dollars, underscoring its role as a major economic driver for
the region. The influence of SpaceX and its
activities is also evident in traditional sectors such as
fishing at nearby Port Isabel, local businesses, including bait
and tackle shops. You've seen changes in customer
demographics and sales patterns due to Starbase.
Now the integration of Spacex's launch activities, however, with
the local environment and traditional industries has
raised concerns. The environmental and ecological
impacts of frequent launches are still being assessed, with
potential implications or the area's wildlife and fisheries
now also something interesting. The anticipation and aftermath
of SpaceX launches have become community events in themselves,
affecting not just businesses but also local culture and daily
life. In Brownsville and the Rio
Grande Valley, residents and visitors alike are drawn to the
spectacle, blending traditional pastimes like fishing with the
excitement of space exploration. And also, a lot of people go to
gather the remnants of a launch, The things that fell off a
Starship or things that were blown up during the launch, such
as during the IFT One launch. There were concrete scraps, you
could find them on eBay. People were selling them for
absurd amounts of money. Now in Brownsville though, the
influence of SpaceX has even permeated the local craft
brewing scene, with establishments like Pluton
Brewing Company experiencing increased patronage during
launch events. The brewery's name and theme,
while not directly related to SpaceX, resonates with the space
fueled enthusiasm pervading the community of spaceflight
enjoyers. Now SpaceX is foray into
commercial development with the Rio West project is part of a
broader trend for the company's deepening impact on the Rio
Grande Valley. Through initiatives like Rio
West and its ongoing spaceport operations, SpaceX is not only
advancing spaceflight ambitions, but also contributing to the
economic and the cultural fabric of Brownsville and S proudly
Island and also near Starbase. Hey, thank you so much for.
Listening today. I really do.
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