Astral Codex Ten Podcast Model City Monday 10/27/25
Nov 23, 2025
Explore the fascinating rise and fall of Grand Bahama, once transformed into a Caribbean Vegas under Wallace Groves. Discover why this island continues to attract modern charter projects, leveraging its tourism and logistics. Delve into California Forever's bold plans for a new city, including innovative robotics for architectural revival. As political stakes rise in Honduras, learn about Prospera's legal struggles and the future of charter cities. Finally, uncover the challenges faced by celebrity-backed model cities in Africa and the ambitions behind new Caribbean SEZs.
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Freeport's Charter-City Origin Story
- Wallace Groves transformed nearly-empty Grand Bahama into a gambling-and-industry hub in the 1950s and 60s.
- The charter created rapid growth and a modern enclave before political and market changes reversed its fortunes.
Existing Charter Framework Lowers Barrier
- Grand Bahama is attractive for renewed charter-city efforts because legal frameworks already exist and the island has strong logistics assets.
- The government may sell the charter to a modern private operator rather than directly manage redevelopment.
Geography Makes Freeport Valuable
- Freeport's duty-free status, deepwater port, and proximity to Miami create clear comparative advantages.
- Those geographic and logistical features make it suitable for transshipment and a remote-work hub.