Hey, everybody. Welcome back. To the Elon Musk. Podcast This is a show where we discuss the critical crossroads, the shape SpaceX. Tesla X. The Boring Company and Neuralink. And I'm. Your host will Walden if you want. Uninterrupted episodes of the Elon Musk podcast. Please go to clubelon.supercast.com to find out how. There's a link in the show notes 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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