Tony Hsieh, the celebrated founder of Zappos and a driving force behind the revitalization of parts of Las Vegas, is often lauded for his contributions to e-commerce and urban development. However, there’s a less-known facet of his legacy that deserves recognition: his pioneering spirit in the realm of trailer parks. Indeed, Tony Hsieh was a passionate advocate for the mobile home park industry, enthusiastically embracing and innovating within this often-overlooked sector. He truly was a Pioneer Trailer Park visionary.
My personal encounter with Tony’s unique approach to community living came through Airstream Village, his own mobile home park creation. The idea of a near-billionaire choosing to reside in a trailer park was inherently intriguing. When I found myself in Las Vegas, I reached out to Tony’s office seeking a visit and the opportunity to photograph his property. To my surprise, his assistant offered a personal tour.
The tour began at a coffee shop near the old Vegas strip. As we walked, the assistant pointed out Tony’s former high-rise condo, his residence after the monumental $800 million Zappos acquisition by Amazon. It was in this penthouse, surrounded by solitude, that Tony conceived the idea of trailer park living, seeking connection and community he felt was missing. We then passed by Tony’s experimental development using metal storage containers, an idea that, while innovative, proved impractical in the scorching Las Vegas heat due to cooling challenges. These containers were later repurposed for commercial use, demonstrating Tony’s adaptive and resourceful nature.
Entrance to Tony Hsieh's Airstream Village, showcasing understated signage and rooftop views of RVs, embodying a unique community living space
Finally, we arrived at a modest cinder-block wall, marked with the subtle metal lettering of “Airstream Village.” Peeking over the wall were glimpses of RV roofs and tiny homes, revealing Tony’s unconventional community. Entering from the back, through a communal parking lot (cars were intentionally kept outside the village), we walked along a concrete sidewalk adorned with metal hoops and festive LED Christmas lights – the welcoming entrance for residents and guests alike.
Airstream Village was a physical manifestation of Tony’s belief in “experiences over objects.” He designed it from the ground up as both a residential space and a social experiment. RVs and tiny homes were intentionally placed close together along a central street, fostering interaction. The entire space, paved like a large parking lot, lacked traditional yards, emphasizing communal areas. The heart of the village was a large stage and two metal storage container buildings repurposed into a laundry facility and a business center equipped with computers and printers. Life in Airstream Village was designed to be lived outdoors, encouraging socializing, and enjoying nightly entertainment on the stage. Outdoor activities like ping-pong, art installations, and communal grilling further enhanced the community-focused atmosphere.
Overview of Tony Hsieh's Airstream Village, highlighting the dense arrangement of RVs and tiny homes, communal stage, and central layout designed for social interaction in a Las Vegas setting
A distinctive feature was a bulletin board in the business center, a platform for residents to propose and vote on community improvements. Another unique element was a llama, freely roaming the property, serving as an unofficial mascot, adding a touch of whimsy and character to the pioneer trailer park environment.
Living in Airstream Village was not merely about paying rent; it required contributing a skill beneficial to the community. For instance, a resident chef managed communal cooking, while a resident artist created murals and event posters, and even helped maintain the aesthetic of residents’ trailers. Musicians, actors, and individuals with diverse skills contributed to the self-sustaining and vibrant community.
Community entrance of Airstream Village, featuring a sidewalk illuminated with festive LED lights and metal hoops, leading into a space designed for pedestrian-focused community living
While Airstream Village was undeniably quirky, blending trailer park living with elements of a carnival and Woodstock, the most significant takeaway was its profound emphasis on community. Despite Tony’s vast resources, the village lacked lavish amenities like pools or fitness centers, common in conventional mobile home parks. Instead, the focus was deliberately placed on fostering relationships and personal interactions. This was the very essence of what Tony had sought when he felt isolated in his penthouse. He meticulously crafted a community spirit through shared outdoor recreation and simple amenities designed to bring people together.
Central communal area of Airstream Village, showcasing the outdoor stage, seating arrangements, and metal storage containers repurposed for community facilities, emphasizing shared experiences and social interaction
Inspired by Airstream Village, I shared my observations with my partner Dave, and we began exploring ways to enhance amenities in our own mobile home parks. Embracing Tony’s philosophy, we experimented with adding pavilions, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and playgrounds in underutilized spaces. Soccer goals appeared in vacant fields. These additions were cost-effective and resonated deeply with our residents. To this day, we continue to integrate outdoor gathering spaces into our properties, witnessing a tangible improvement in community spirit and resident pride.
Resident bulletin board at Airstream Village, displaying community ideas and proposals, encouraging resident participation and collaborative decision-making within the community
While Tony Hsieh’s broader legacy in retail and technology is widely celebrated, it’s crucial to acknowledge his contribution as a pioneer trailer park innovator. He offered fresh perspectives on mobile home park amenities and championed the often-misunderstood trailer park lifestyle. Tony Hsieh was a true pioneer trailer park advocate, whose vision and impact will long be remembered and appreciated within the mobile home park industry and beyond.
Communal dining and grilling area in Airstream Village, set up for residents to cook and eat together, fostering a sense of community and shared meals
Outdoor recreational space in Airstream Village, equipped with ping-pong tables and art installations, promoting outdoor activities and social engagement among residents
Playground and open space amenities implemented in mobile home parks, inspired by Tony Hsieh's community-focused approach, enhancing resident quality of life and community interaction
