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RIOMAGAZINE 351I07/2018
BUILDING HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM HOMES
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2 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Step into the world of Real Estate and home decor in this special issue of Rio, where you’ll find awe-inspiring homes and a tour of the annual Laredo Builder’s Association Parade of Homes premiering homes from ten of Laredo’s most prestigious homebuilders. The Parade of Homes is an annual event showcasing the latest in home building design, floor plans, architecture, interior design, outdoor living, furniture decor, landscape design and new home trends in products and services. Starring on our cover is a breathtaking home by RE Signature Homes. This local constructor focuses on building high quality custom homes while providing great customer service. Make sure to take a look at their beautiful contemporary home on our centerfold. Also, in our Décor section we feature different types of home decor styles from Laredo residents. Be sure to check out our event section for local happenings including the Keller Williams grand opening and the Laredo Builder’s Association Kick-off party. In this issue, you’ll discover amazing homes featuring decorating ideas and shopping inspiration to inspire you in your own projects. It’s no secret that investing in a home for you and your family is one of the best things you can do. Cheers, Alejandra Cantu
STAFFEDITORIAL
Ninfa Cantú Deándar PUBLISHER
Alejandra Cantú EDITOR
Rafael S. Gutiérrez ART COORDINATOR
Alejandra Cantú
COVER PHOTOGRAPHY
Michael Hernandez Mario Lopez Jamine Speer CONTRIBUTORS
Javier Carreon AD DESIGN
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EVENT NOCHE DE TAPAS
Fotos por Betty Oliver
Y FLAMENCO Laura, Briseida, Sandra, Don Chuy, Liliana y Alejandra Una recepción a la luz de las velas y unas deliciosas tapas hicieron el juego perfecto para la presentación de Las Migas que se llevó a cabo en el restaurante Casa Lopez. En la velada, del 30 de Junio, Laredenses disfrutaron de la banda española en formato de cuarteto femenino quienes se destacan por su música de toque mediterráneo y flamenco. Casa Lopez Tapas Bar está ubicado en el centro de Laredo en 2002 Hidalgo St.
San Juanita De la Cruz y Jose Carlos Perales
Neto y Pamela Hernandez,Al Chapa y Maribel Moya
Santa y Dario Gutierrez
Ana Luisa Guevara y Maria Luisa Flores
Rosy Quiroz y Sandra Rangel
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EVENT
Photos by Alejandra Cantu
KW LAREDO CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING Keller Williams Realty of Laredo held their ribbon cutting ceremony on June 28th to celebrate their new location. Attendees took a tour of the new office and enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres. KW Laredo team of real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of their clients. They take great pride in the relationships they build and always work relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. If you are planning to buy a new home make sure to visit KW Laredo at 6910 McPherson Rd.
Julio & Lily Lerma and Queta and Florencio Villalpando Andrew Brittingham and Chris Haynes
Jennifer Hamilton and Debbie Salinas Jesus Lara and Julio Lerma
Enrique and Maria Fernanda Volkmer
Irma Zavala and Dee Dee Cortez
Armando de Leon, Crystol Hill, Victor Moya and Rolando Gonzalez
Roseann Garza and Ana Lozano
Ana Mendoza and Melissa Lugge
Maricela Ramirez, Amparo Santos, Lety Martinez, Cristina Buenrostro y Yaneth Garza Enrique Volkmer and Julio Lerma
Lily and Julio Lerma
Ricardo Valadez, Gloria Lee Kim and Eduardo Valadez
Leo Garza, Luis Munoz and Sammy Maaia
VIDANOCTURNA 12
Francisco Tejeda, Karla Tejeda
, Alessandra Tejeda y Paty Ven
tura
Maritza y Cristobal Molina La gente de Laredo sabe pasarla bien y disfrutar de las noches en los lugares de atracción de la vida nocturna en Laredo. RIO salió de fiesta y visito La Laguna y Callo de Hacha que cuentan con una atmósfera al aire libre, grupos en vivo, y deliciosas bebidas y comidas. ¡Música, diversión y entretenimiento!
Norma y Francisco Martinez
Carlo Ramirez y Elizabeth Ros
as
Jesse y Brigette Villarreal
Arsenio e Imelda Fraga, Ara
celi y Jorge Garcia
Arsenio e Imelda Fraga, Ara
celi y Jorge Garcia
Viviana Zubiate cumpleañe Clarisa Chavez,Luz De Llano,
ra,Deborah Zubiate, Rosalin
da Zubiate
Kaku,Denise Hidalgo, de Leticia Jimenes Rosario Hernandez s año ple cum el o and ebr Cel ndez y Emilio David Hernandez, Zuri Herna Ricky y Melissa Recio Enrique y Pamela Echavarria Sophia Gutierrez y Lupe Moreno
Claudina Benavides, Nena Cos
tilla y Mauricio Benavides
, Victoria Paez, Natalia Gamboaza ndo Me a Roberto Cavazos y Elv
Samuel Juarez, Oscar Garcia
Claudia Briseño y Amado Bri
seño
en Pablo Rodriguez y Anna Kar
y Gerardo Olivares
Gladys y Beto Salinas
Grecia Hernandez y Jazmin Villarreal
J.J, y Julieta Gomes,Ramiro y Olga Vergara
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EVENT
Photos by Alejandra Cantu and Mario Lopez
LBA KICK-OFF
PARTY
KRK representatives The Laredo Builders Association held their annual Parade of Homes kick-off party on June 20th. Realtors, LBA members, homebuilders, and designers gathered at the IBC Lago del Rio to enjoy great food and networking. The LBA is a civic organization that specializes in the building and land development industries in the city of Laredo and Webb County.
Cristina Martinez, Gaby Carriedo and Blanca Juarez
RE Signature Living representatives
AB Homes representatives
Alejandra Canales and David Alegria
Oscar and Martha Perez from Sky Limited
Theresa and Garrett Dorsey
The Cantu family
Photos by Mario Lopez
EVENT
GRAND OPENING
Spinning instructors Ale Luna, Diego Mounetou and Lupita Mireles.
Mooncycle opened its doors to the public with its grand opening celebration. Attendees enjoyed a free spinning class and healthy snacks by Fit Menu. The spinning instructors introduced their top-notch facility, staffed with fun and friendly faces. Mooncycle is located at 219 E. del Mar Suite D.
Ale Luna, Alana Alvarez, Ana Laura Alvarez and Ale Pena
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By Jasmine Speer Photos by Alejandra Cantu and courtesy photos
INNOVATIVE INTERIOR DESIGN
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If you are looking for a home
friends and family.
terior
Landscaping,
living space. Sky Limited is
built with your personality
Sky Limited has gained rec-
and Best Membership Tour
surely to not disappoint in
and aesthetic in mind, Sky
ognition over time by satis-
Award. Sky Limited continues
your desire to build a place
Limited is the place. With
fied customers who have
to evolve and create new and
you can truly be at peace in.
over 25 years of experi-
been looking for a fresh new
unique designs for storage.
You are going to feel liber-
ences, Sky limited has been
look with ample space. This
This year Sky Limited now of-
ated once you see the beau-
building homes with mod-
year alone, the business was
fers original, handcrafted fur-
tiful work done. If you are
ern designed interiors and
awarded an impressive eight
niture. The place is known as
looking to build a new space,
cabinets. They are dedicated
awards at this year’s Parade
SKY Line Furniture. Perhaps
a new kitchen, or new stor-
to making sure your home is
of Homes. All awards com-
you want to decorate your
age space, look no further.
not only beautiful but also ef-
mended the business’s con-
place with an elegant piece
Sky Limited’s projects usu-
ficient. These are two quali-
struction skills, making it one
of furniture with a modern
ally take anywhere from four
ties most homeowners are
of the best places for mod-
effect—SKY Line furniture
to six months depending on
excited for. It is important
ern construction design in
and designs are versatile and
the size of the project. This is
to have not only beauty but
Laredo. Some of the awards
perfect for a person search-
the perfect time to reinvent
also a smart home where all
included Best Interior De-
ing for a modern look.
your surroundings or create
your things can be neatly or-
sign, People’s Choice, Best
It is easy to see why this busi-
a new space. This year, invest
ganized to create a modern,
Kitchen, Best Efficient Home,
ness is perfect for anyone
in a beautiful home décor or
well-equipped sanctuary for
Best Architectural, Best Ex-
who wishes to reinvent their
storage.
and
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DECOR
Courtesy photos
BRICKS AND TILE CELEBRATES
ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY
F
Founded in 1984, Bricks and Tile
ried many more products.
is a leader in providing builders,
With the larger selection of brick
architects, designers, and contrac-
and building products and with
tors with a wide range of excellent
an increased amount of tile from
products in Laredo.
all over the world, Mr. Flores
Bricks & Tile International origi-
knew that they could no longer
nally opened its doors in 1973 as
carry the name Bricks Interna-
Bricks International at 1419 E. San
tional and therefore renamed the
Pedro. As business increased and
business, Bricks & Tile Interna-
as the opportunity for expansion
tional, in 1993.
arose, the founders, Mr. & Mrs.
At Bricks and Tile they can assist
Flores, bought land on McPherson
anyone from the commercial archi-
Rd. and in November 1992, they
tect to installer, bringing dreams to
opened their doors at McPherson
reality. Visit Bricks and Tile located
with a larger showroom and car-
at 6423 McPherson.
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BY Alejandra Cantu PHOTOS BY Priscilla Tapia
BUILDING UNIQUE HOMES, ONE DETAIL AT A TIME:
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RE Signature homes has been building high quality homes since 2014. They’ll make sure to turn the vision of your dream home into a reality. Beyond their exciting one of a kind home designs and reputation for quality finishes, is their reputation for transparency in the home building process and in the way they treat their customers. The residential construction company also offers ready-to-move in designs or “spec homes”; available in different styles, unique layouts, and built with the highest quality materials. Whether it’s a simple transitional design or a large contemporary home, RE Signature Homes will help you design and custom build your dream home. They focus on quality, customer service, and affordable homes. By letting you pick your supplier for decorative accessories, accents, tiles, and floors, RE will work to fit your needs and stay within your budget to provide the best options available. Their strive for great customer service doesn’t stop once your new home is complete. From warranty work to handyman repairs, RE is committed to the relationship with you and home.
RE Signature Homes is now building in D&J Alexander Estates and San Isidro- La Cuesta III and Midtown at Santa Maria Heights. Open House daily, call (956) 724-2500
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PHOTOS BY
Alejandra Cantu
RE Signature homes office is located at 8218 Casa Verde Rd. Suite A-10. For more information call 956-724-2500 or visit their web page www.re-signature.net. Follow them and like them on Facebook @RESiganturetx
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DECOR
By Alejandra Cantu Courtesy photos
FAMILY-OWNED FURNITURE STORE SINCE 1987:
CANTU INTERIORS
C
Cantu Interiors has been
the newest colors, styles and
great projects from restoration
our store they are amazed at
making Laredo feel at home
trends in their new homes.
of old homes to the finishing
what we have in our showroom
since their opening in 1987.
touches of many, many beau-
and they always come back.
Whether you are looking for
R: What do you draw your
tiful homes in Laredo, Nuevo
Our son Arnold Hiram has
the right piece or looking to
inspiration from?
Laredo, Zapata, San Ygnacio,
starting working with us and
decorate from the ground up,
C: We are always drawing
Bruni, and San Antonio.
is now ready to help our cus-
they will make sure you build
inspiration from the new con-
a happy home through great
temporary designs our lo-
R: What kind of furniture
tion. Our main goal is to com-
home furnishings. RIO inter-
cal architects are building. A
items do you offer at Cantu
plete customer satisfaction
viewed owners of Cantu Inte-
customer will call me once
Interiors?
and we have accomplished
riors, Vidal and Alicia Cantu
they move in and it is amaz-
C: At Cantu Interiors we
that in our 30 years of serving
to tell us about their store and
ing how beautiful the new
carry John Richards, Lexing-
our loyal customers.
their furniture projects.
home will look once we start
ton, Stanley, American Drew,
At Cantu Interiors, they set
suggesting colors, window
Coaster, Art Max, Uttermost
out to help clients with cus-
RIO: What would you say
coverings, furniture, wallpa-
and hundreds of other lines,
tom designs for their homes.
are your main influenc-
per, wall dĂŠcor and much
which we represent. We are
By offering great service and
es when buying for your
more. We start transforming a
unique in bringing items that
high-quality furnishings, they
store?
house into a beautiful home.
are different. We not only car-
can complete the exhibition of
Cantu: When buying for our
tomers following our tradi-
ry furniture and accessories,
your interior and outdoor dec-
R: What have been some of
but we also have the most
orating. For more information
to bring to our customers
your favorite design proj-
complete line of wallpaper,
call 956-727-4495. Cantu Inte-
the latest designs and trends,
ects?
carpet and area rugs.
riors is located at 1720 Chihua-
which is what interests our
C: It is difficult to mention just
clients. They want to have
one because we have had such
store our main influence is
hua. Visit their webpage www. When a customer walks into
cantuinteriors.com
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DECOR
PHOTOS AND EDITORIAL BY Alejandra Cantu
DEFINING YOUR DECORATING STYLE
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There are many different types of home decor styles to fit your personality. Whether you’re staging your home to sell or you just feel like redecorating, check out this guide to different types of home decor styles from Laredo residents. Let your personality and the things you love help you select the best style for you.
CONTEMPORARY
(The Franco’s residence) Contemporary designs feature clean lines with a casual atmosphere, open spaces, neutral colors, and elements and materials inspired by nature. From the flat-front cabinets to the sleek stainlesssteel appliances, this kitchen is a series of simple planes. The monochromatic color scheme creates a serene and sophisticated space.
MODERN
(The Jimenez’s residence) Modern design has gained popularity in mainstream interior design. The minimalist style focuses on structural and decor simplicity. It uses straightforward furniture and dramatic modern art. The overall look has very little decorations and clean straight lines.
CONTEMPORARY COLONIAL
(The Hinojosa’s residence) The main focus is on balance, not too cold, not too formal. Contemporary style has more decorations and colors than ‘modern’ design, but is cleaner than the ‘traditional’ look. This house creates a beautiful blend of contemporary with colonial features making it colorful and elegant. A modern chandelier enhances the colonial designs by creating a contemporary look.
SPANISH COLONIAL
(The Figueroa’s residence) This design reflects Spanish and Mexican Colonial architecture and furnishings. Colonial interiors can be quite elaborate. The decorations include richly colored carpets, Spanish and Mexican art, and warm-colored tiles for floors and bright tiles for the kitchen. This style delivers a warm and elegant atmosphere.
TRANSITIONAL
(The Ponce’s residence) This sophisticated look is a combination of traditional and contemporary styles to create an elegant home. This design is also known as “updated classic.” The furniture has a mix of European classic decor with contemporary colors and furniture. A big bookshelf brings out the classic style.
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DECOR
MEXPORTS BY SUSANA MOLINA Exquisite Mexican furniture
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Mexports by Susana Molina offers brilliant elegant and unique furniture designs. The furniture is made in Mexico and a warehouse in Laredo Texas then shipped through all United States and Canada. The company originated in San Antonio by Susana Molina, who is originally from Nuevo Laredo in 1996. Mexports by SM offers a wide variety of options in designs and styles, including copper, travertine, stone and mesquite wood tops, enhanced with gemstones like turquoise or red coral. The company has grown drastically and is definitely one of its kind in both the Dallas market and the International Vegas Market Center. At market, Mexports is currently on the first floor, which is a major accomplishment. Molina inherited her mother’s pristine taste in fash-
ion and home Decor. After graduating from the “Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas,” she decided to start an interior design corporation called “Molina’s House” in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Molina decided to expand her business. She moved to San Antonio and started her new project. In 2014, the brand was renamed Mexports by SM corporation which has a permanent spot on the first floor on Las Vegas International Market Center where they sell wholesale furniture to many popular nationwide retail companies such as Neiman Marcus. Molina offers her customers a variety of options and styles. “Where Iron style exceeds your expectations” has been their motto since the beginning of her company. Their manufacturing facilities are located in Nuevo Laredo and
the distribution facility center is located in Laredo Texas. For more information you can contact Susana Molina at 956-
725-6441 or visit Mexports Inc. 3704 San Bernardo Ave. visit their website at www. mexportsinc.com
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DECOR
By Michael Hernández
QUALITY REFLECTION GLASSWORKS:
GLAZIERS WE TRUST
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Quality Reflection Glassworks can help your everyday glass and aluminum needs. Need a window? Check. Need to fix a glass door? Check. You need furnishing and an installation of a complete building enclosure system, including glass and aluminum curtain wall systems? Check. They really do go the extra mile to please their customers. Locally owned since 2002, Quality Reflection Glassworks has since become the leading glazing business in Laredo and South Texas. There is something to be said when being considered the leader amongst your competitors. The question then is, how? A question perhaps not possible to answer here, but they do split their wide set of services into three branches: Commercial, Residential, and Service. This gives us some insight as to how they’re so successful. The residential Department has been serving clients since 2002 and continues to specialize in glass and mirror designs, as well as installation. With experienced glass technicians, the customer is guaranteed to be satisfied. So, in need of mirrors for windows, staircases, shower enclosures, vanities, and even tabletops? Don’t be shy, they
know what they’re doing. In fact, Quality Reflections are sponsors and participants in the annual parade of homes. The commercial department centers on commercial buildings. As mentioned, if you need furnishing and an installation of a complete building enclosure system, etc., Quality Reflection Glassworks can help you out. They work with top brand glass and aluminum vendors to provide quality products. The service department is there to fix what is broken. Their dedication to the craft certainly helps in assuring an impressive upgrade to older glass, or broken glass (unfortunately, break-ins and accidents do happen). All in all, Quality Reflection has been providing good work for a long time. In that time, they have become the leading glaziers in Laredo, as they recently completed the new U.S. Cold Storage Facility, proving that they are the leading glaziers for all local government and educational buildings. They currently work on local community colleges, as well as both UISD and LISD schools, to install glass and aluminum window systems. Trust can be hard to come by but rest assured, you can count on Quality Reflections!
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DECOR
Fotos y editorial por Alejandra Cantu
ARTESANÍAS QUE REFLEJAN A MÉXICO:
HACIENDA VIEJA
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Si necesitas una silla, mesa, macetas o incluso objetos de decoración muy originales, te recomendamos la tienda mexicana Hacienda Vieja, en Laredo, Texas. Estas propuestas le darán un toque muy original a tu espacio. Hacienda Vieja abrió sus puertas en octubre del 2006. Su inventario se compone de mercancía importada de lugares de México, como Oaxaca, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Guerrero, Puebla y Tlaxcala. El cliente puede encontrar desde macetas de barro para decorar el jardín, talavera, vidrio soplado, muebles rústicos, fuentes de cantera, pinturas al óleo, floreros para decoración de interior y más. Sus muebles son de madera sólida incluyendo de mezquite, sabino y pino. Algunos de ellos son combinados con forja trabajada a mano. Visita y descubre la gran riqueza de mano de obra artesanal que ofrece México en Hacienda Vieja, ubicado en 5810 E. Saunders St.
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DECOR
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Get expert help with your house project with their free in-store design services at Tiles & More located at 3910 E Saunders St. Their designers will work one-on-one with you to help you find the perfect materials for your project. They will give your living room, bedroom, kitchen or bathroom, that special touch. Count on their team to bring you the latest trends as well as traditional styles that are timeless options. Tiles & More has nearly every type of mate-
UPGRADE YOUR HOME WITH TILES & MORE
rial to make your project pop. From stone flooring with its natural beauty and timeless elegance to the newest trends in large size ceramic tile, Tiles & More focuses on you lifestyle or business needs. Natural stone is an excellent choice for luxury and durability. You’ll find their prices on stone flooring to be incredibly affordable. You’ll find a wide selection of stone, including travertine, marble, granite and slate. For more information visit tilesnmore.multiscreensite.com
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PHOTOS BY Alejandra Cantu
2 0 18
PARADE OF HOMES On the weekend of June
current
prospective
ees had the opportunity of
buying advice from Parade
22nd, locals flocked to the
homeowners the chance to
stepping into 10 jaw-drop-
Hosts. Whether you were
and
21 Annual Laredo Parade
see the talent of local crafts-
pingly beautiful homes and
able to attend or not, your
of Homes. Presented by
men and interior designers
getting inspiration for their
opportunity to relive this
the Laredo Builders As-
come to life. At this year’s
current or future homes, as
year’s Parade of Homes
sociation, this event gives
Parade of Homes, attend-
well as invaluable home
awaits you:
st
1. AB HOMES • 5717 Moses Lp. Cielito Lindo
• Granite counter tops throughout
• 1,600 square feet living area
• 3 bedrooms, 2 baths
2. PAISANO HOMES • 4323 Alina Drive Cuatro Vientos Sur • Porcelain tile and granite counter tops • 1,579 square feet • 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
3. WESTWIND HOMES • 5527 Lago del Valle Drive – Lago del Valle • 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2-car garage • Upgraded light fixtures • Loft on 2nd floor
4. KRK HOMES BY NICOLAS CARDENAS • 6019 Vero Drive- The Loop phase II • Smart home with contemporary styling • Decorative chandeliers • Quartz and marble counter tops
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PHOTOS BY Alejandra Cantu
5. SKY LIMITED • 117 Yellowstone Lake Drive- Lakeside • 2,424 square feet • Modern open concept • Custom mahogany entry and French doors
6. AB HOMES • 356-A Upper Falls Road- Lakeside • Theater and office • Custom kitchen cabinets by Barajas Cabinets • Pool
7. AB HOMES • 358-A Upper Falls Road- Lakeside • 2,226 sqaure feet • 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2-car garage • Reading area and custom walk-in closet in master suite
8. B&B HOMES • 704 Ezra Pound Drive- D&J Alexander • 2 separate outdoor spaces • Open concept floor plan • High-end finishes
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PHOTOS BY Alejandra Cantu
9. RE SIGNATURE HOMES • 3025 Swift Drive- D&J Alexander • 3,250 square feet • 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths • Housekeeper’s quarters
10. OE STUDIO DESIGN • 7405 Stephen King Loop. D&J Alexander • Porcelain tile • Outdoor kitchen and patio • 10’-12’ Ceilings