Despite having a population of over 29 million, Texas is a large state with a lot of vacant land and deserted communities. Because they were formerly vibrant settlements that were abandoned for a variety of reasons, some of these locations are known as ghost towns. Others are more contemporary instances of urban deterioration, with flats and office buildings left unoccupied. What are the origins and effects of Texas’s deserted cities?
The Development and Decline of Ghost Towns
Economic boom and bust cycles, particularly in sectors like mining, oil, railroads, and agriculture, are typically the cause of ghost towns. As these industries grew, they drew labourers and settlers, who surrounded them with cities and commercial establishments. However, the settlements lost their economic viability and their residents left when the resources ran out, the markets failed, or the transportation routes changed.
Here are a few instances of Texas ghost towns:
- Terlingua: Known for its chilli cook-offs and mercury manufacturing, Terlingua is a former mining town in the Big Bend region. After World War II, when demand for mercury declined, it was shut down in the 1940s. It is now a popular tourist destination as well as a gathering place for adventurers and artists.
- Thurber: formerly the biggest town between Fort Worth and El Paso, Thurber is a coal mining town in Erath County. When the mines closed and the Texas and Pacific Railway shifted from coal to oil in the 1930s, it was abandoned. It is now a historic site with a smokestack and museum.
- Lobo is a railway town located close to the New Mexico border in Culberson County. When the water source dried up and the railway service was stopped in the 1960s, it was abandoned. With only a few buildings and a cemetery, it is now a ghost town.
The Problem of Unoccupied Office Space
The COVID-19 pandemic and the move to remote work have led to a more contemporary phenomenon: empty office space. The advantages of working from home, including reduced expenses, increased productivity, and greater flexibility, have been recognised by numerous companies and workers. Because of this, there is less of a need for office space, which has left many buildings vacant and underutilised.
Cities with high office vacancy rates include, for instance:
- Houston: Texas’s largest city and a significant centre for the energy sector. It has the highest office vacancy rate of any major U.S. city at 25%. The scenario that was already impacted by the collapse of the oil price and the excess of office space has gotten worse due to the pandemic.
- Dallas-Fort Worth: The second-largest metro area in Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth boasts a diverse economy that includes industries like technology, banking, and aviation. It has the second-highest office vacancy rate among major U.S. cities, at 23 percent. The region was formerly among the fastest-growing in the nation, but the pandemic has hampered its growth and development.
- Austin: Texas’s capitol and a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. It has the third-highest office vacancy rate among major U.S. cities, at 21 percent. Many startups and tech organisations have adopted remote work and hybrid models as a result of the pandemic, which has decreased their demand for office space.
Emptiness’s Consequences
The social, environmental, and economic facets of metropolitan life can all suffer from emptiness. Among the possible issues are:
- Revenue and service loss: Towns and structures that are abandoned bring in less tax money and necessitate more upkeep and security. The standard and accessibility of public services and infrastructure, including parks, schools, and roadways, may be impacted.
- Decline of downtown areas: Downtown neighbourhoods that rely on office workers to sustain dining establishments, retail stores, and entertainment venues may see a decline in foot traffic and spending as a result of vacant office space. More closures, openings, and degradation may result from this, starting a vicious cycle of urban deterioration.
- Waste of land and resources: Towns and buildings that are abandoned waste water, energy, and materials that may be put to better use. Additionally, they take up space that could be utilised for conservation, farming, or habitation. This may exacerbate sprawl and environmental deterioration.
The Possibilities of Being Empty
Cities’ emptiness can also present chances for creativity, adaptation, and renewal. Among the potential fixes are:
- Redevelopment and repurposing: Towns and buildings that are vacant can be transformed into new spaces for recreation, housing, healthcare, or education. This can improve urban design’s sustainability and efficiency while also making urban areas more varied and reasonably priced.
- Preservation and tourism: abandoned towns and buildings can be kept intact and marketed as historical and cultural landmarks, including art galleries, museums, or celebrations. In addition to improving local communities’ income and employment, this can raise understanding and appreciation of the history and character of urban areas.
- Reimagining and experimentation: New concepts like co-working, co-living, or co-creating spaces can be recreated and tested in abandoned buildings and communities. This can encourage urban residents’ inventiveness and teamwork as well as the entrepreneurship and innovation of urban economies.
In conclusion
Numerous historical and modern variables, including industrial cycles, population shifts, and technology advancements, have contributed to Texas’ empty cities. Both public and private players must have vision and take action in order to address the potential and difficulties they present for urban planning and development. They also provide insights and lessons for the future of cities, reflecting the richness and vibrancy of Texas’ urban life.
Why Nobody Lives in These Empty Cities in Texas.
