Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual, is once again shaping his own reality, this time by expanding the amenities at his private company town in Bastrop County, Texas. Known as Snailbrook, this compound is set to grow into a more comprehensive community for employees of his ventures, including The Boring Company and SpaceX.
From Starbase to Snailbrook: Musk's Vision Takes Shape
Musk has a precedent for creating his own municipalities when existing city rules prove inflexible. This was the case with Starbase, the self-governing town established around SpaceX's launch site in southern Texas. His project in Bastrop County, located about 550 kilometres north, has faced fewer immediate hurdles, with local officials largely accommodating his plans so far.
The sprawling 2,500-hectare Snailbrook property already hosts corporate offices for X (formerly Twitter), The Boring Company's tunnel-drilling operations, and a SpaceX manufacturing facility. It also features basic amenities like a bodega, pub, salon, and playground in a predominantly rural area.
New Plans for Homes and Community Facilities
According to correspondence obtained by Bloomberg through a public records request, Snailbrook is poised for significant development. Elon Musk's executives have outlined plans to build more than 20 homes for staff on-site, alongside a science centre, a gym, and other facilities. The Boring Company is tasked with leading this construction, pushing the site further toward becoming a full-fledged company town.
However, this expansion is testing the limits of Bastrop County's patience. While the region has historically had relatively little red tape and has tolerated some infractions, Musk's approach has been combative since his arrival in 2021.
Clashes with Local Authorities and Tax Disputes
The Boring Company has previously built infrastructure and test projects without the required permits and has faced approximately $9,000 in fines for wastewater violations. More recently, the company's focus has shifted to reducing its tax burden.
Internal documents show executives have haggled with officials over late payment penalties and sought property tax exemptions for company-owned houses. In one notable dispute, The Boring Company argued it should be exempt from school taxes because it operates its own preschool on the campus. The Bastrop Central Appraisal District rejected this argument.
In an apparent effort to improve community relations, the company has proposed donating undeveloped land and funds to help build community soccer fields. This move could also serve as a charitable deduction to lower tax bills. The proposal, estimated to cost around $300,000, came with the condition that local groups contribute to the costs, and its current status is unclear.
As Musk continues to develop Snailbrook, the shadow of Starbase looms, serving as a reminder that he has an alternative plan should local cooperation wane. Neither The Boring Company nor the city of Bastrop returned requests for comment on the new construction plans.