Visions of a manufacturing company town are moving forward in Caldwell County after county commissioners approved a development agreement for a new project. The proposal was brought by Earthship, based in Lockhart, and Greenwood Ventures Group, which shares an address with developer Ashton Gray in Sugar Land. The plan is to build what is being called a “proto-town innovation hub” on two parcels totaling 538 acres at 1307 Westwood Road.
Joshua Farahzad of Earthship described the project as similar to company towns found in China, aiming to create a work-life ecosystem centered around manufacturing. According to county documents, the project will serve as a “demonstration of civil construction technologies; demonstration of advanced manufacturing prototypes in the areas of robotics, space and energy research facilities; and temporary living quarters for individuals engaged in research within the property.”
The agreement does not commit Caldwell County to any financial obligations but notes that the project’s size and scope may change. It also requires adherence to local property development rules such as minimum setbacks and dark sky regulations.
Maps and survey details provided so far are limited, and stakeholders have not disclosed further information or costs related to the development. Caldwell County Judge Hoppy Haden declined detailed comment but said, “the opportunity for the county’s residents is exciting.” Ashton Gray acquired the land parcels in 2022.
Caldwell County has seen other major developments recently. Prime Data Centers is constructing a $1.3 billion data center there (https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2024/03/21/prime-data-centers-caldwell-county.html), contributing to rapid growth along the Austin-San Antonio corridor. Although Caldwell remains one of the less populated counties in this region—with just over 47,000 residents according to recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates—new projects like a proposed 1,649-home subdivision in Dale could increase its population further (https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/news/2023/10/19/developments-thousands-homes-caldwell-hays.html).
