R
I
O N
I
/
363 07/2019
E
R E
A L
2 0 1 9 PA R A D E O F H O M E S
Z I
AWARD WINNER
M A G A
E S T A T E
CUSTOM HOMES
BUILDING HIGH QUALITY
2
Letter from
the e ditor
D
iscover Laredo’s top real estate and home decor insight in this issue of RIO Real Estate. Whether you’re looking for your dream home, updating your
home to sell or looking to spice up a living space, RIO Magazine has you covered. 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. Each year, locals and home décor enthusiasts find themselves feeling a little weakin-the-knees for one great reason: the annual Laredo Builder’s Association Parade of Homes! At this 3-day event, we got the opportunity to tour some of the most beautiful homes we’ve ever laid eyes on. Also, be sure to check out our event section for local happenings including Luis Miguel at the Sames Auto Arena and the Laredo Builder’s Association Kick-off party. We invite you to flip through these pages and unleash your inner interior designer! 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 Ninfa Cantú Deándar
STAFF Editorial
publisher
Alejandra Cantú Editor
Rafael S. Gutiérrez art coordinator
Fabian Colmenares
cover photography
Mario Lopez Alexa Hernandez Contributors
4
event
Photos and editorial by Alexa Hernandez
Luis Miguel at S a m e s A u t o A r e n a
Melissa Gomez and Rogelio Larumbe
Many concert goers came together under one roof to see the longtime famous singer, Luis Miguel, perform live at Laredo Energy Arena. Among the crowd, many were adorned with their best attire and enjoyed what was a date night for some and girl’s night for others. Local and out of town fans entered the arena with eager steps and walked out recounting the concert’s best moments, despite their worn-out voices. The night was clearly one for the books and a highlight for 2019.
Tony and Liliana Lerma
Alana Alvarez and Ana Daniela Serna
Dariella Faz and Lucia Lechler
Karla Elizondo and Veronica Urbiola Jessica Rocha and Brian Swain
Anna Garcia and Carlos Chapa
Karina Gonzalez and Emily Altgelt
V N
V I D A
/
N O C T U R N A
Fotos por Betty Oliver
8
Manuel y Erika Gomez La gente de Laredo sabe pasarla bien y disfrutar de las noches en los lugares de atracción de la vida nocturna en
Erica Luna Gonzalez, Eileen Andrade Martinez, Veronica Slaughter y Rosario Garza
Laredo. RIO salió de fiesta y visitó Tabernilla en Laredo, Texas y La Portuaria en Nuevo Laredo que cuentan con una atmósfera al aire libre, grupos en vivo, y deliciosas bebidas y comidas. ¡Música, diversión y entretenimiento!
Gerardo y Mariana Morales, Elizabeth y Javier Rodriguez
Caro y Jorge Cazares
Jorge y Andrea Solis, Sandra y Alex Garza,Margarita y Carlos Colin, Fayo y Sonia Roman
Jessica Mendoza y Cindy Leyendecker
Patty y Alejandro Tijerina, Doria y Eduardo Vela, Jessica Aguila y Abraham Tijerina
Flor Peredo y Alejandro Alvarez
Leticia Navarrete y Dolores Green
Regina Cardenas, Raul Cardenas, Carmen Mendoza y Raul Cardenas
Veronica Cuellar y Kevin Flores
Anamarie Flores,Daisy Sanchez y Lesly Sanchez
12
event
Photos and editorial by Alexa Hernandez
Cibeles Tena and Julio Ferreira
Mercadito Fest During the 4th of July weekend, the seasonal Mercadito Fest took place, held by Lolita’s Bistro and Bolillo’s Café. Bike Laredo and Moon Cycling Studio kicked off the event with a “Bike to Mercadito” contest whose participants pedaled in hopes of winning the first, second, and third place prizes. Carrying unique items, both crafters and artists greeted their customers with friendly faces and kind hearts. In return, the public showed a keen interest towards many of the vendors’ work and their process. The locals were able to enjoy another summer night filled with captivating finger food, pleasant music, and one-of-a-kind art.
Paty C. Orduna Tracey and George Mapus
Veronica Gomez and Jessica Cano
Hilda Buentello and Clarissa Hernandez
14
event
Photos and editorial by Alexa Hernandez
Ariana Aguirre, Anaissa Romo, Selina Mendiola, Eric Trevino and Vanessa Ramirez
Farmer’s Market
Keyla Camacho
Every first and third Saturday of the month, you’ll find a group of local vendors in downtown Laredo, for the monthly held Farmer’s Market. From fresh organic produce to hand-crafted bars of soap, vendors set up shop and offer their very best products to the public. Refreshing raspas and live music convinced locals to stay for their afternoon shopping despite the rising heat. For many years, Jarvis Plaza has been a common space for the Farmer’s Market and is still holding up to that tradition.
Tejas Ranch and farm produce Dominga and Ruby Salas
Nelly Ruiz and Cindy Ramos Lily Rodriguez
16
event
Photos and editorial by Alexa Hernandez
Antonieta Zertuche and Pablo & Erika Gonzalez
Climbing
for a cause Laredo’s first rock climbing gym, Climb at Rio, held their 2nd annual Climb 4 Hunger event on June 29th to raise money for the Laredo Regional Food Bank to help bring awareness about hunger in our community. The owners of Climb at Rio, Antonieta Zertuche and Pablo & Erika Gonzalez, opened their doors with welcoming smiles and good spirits. The event was a perfect opportunity for many young ones to get involved and give back to our local community while also having fun.
Camila Soto Colin Campbell
Cristina and Melissa Villarreal
Camila & Andrea Soto and Maya Rodgers
Valeria Villasenor, Sophia Hinojosa, Solash Tovar and Jennah Lara
Internado para varones de secundaria y preparatoria.
¿BUSCA MAYOR NIVEL ACADÉMICO? ¡Marine Military Academy invita a todos los padres de familia a la próxima conferencia gratuita! ¡Hablaremos sobre todas las oportunidades que MMA brinda a sus hijos!
¡Le esperamos en McAllen, Tx, el Viernes 2 de agosto del 2019 de 7 p.m. a 9 p.m. en el salón de conferencias del Hotel Courtyard by Marriott McAllen Airport! 2131 S 10th St. McAllen, Tx 78503. Teléfono del Hotel Marriott: (956) 668‐7800
20
PARADE of
H
omes
Photos by Alexa Hernandez
LBA Kick-Off
Party!
The Laredo Builders Association held their annual Parade of Homes kick-off party on June 19. Realtors, LBA members, homebuilders, and designers gathered at the IBC Lago del Rio to enjoy great food and networking. In attendance were major sponsors for the parade including Laredo Title and Abstract, Lar-
edo Morning Times, Sames, RE Signature Homes and Stewart Title. A wide variety of local home builders and decorators were in attendance and prepared to show their homes for the parade from June 21st-23rd.
Cristina Martinez and Blanca Juarez Veronica Villarreal, Pearl Caraballo and Violeta Gonzalez
Sandra Alaiz and Chantell Liles
Ricardo Garcia, David Mitchell, Bobbie Gonzalez and Paco Flotte
Paula Munoz and Doris Silva
Dr. Ike’s staff
Al & Maggie Chavez, Jesse Berrones and Tom Hubbard
Jose Blanquez and Iris Guevara
22 SHOW By Alexa Hernandez
CASE
‘Lighting Your Way’ at S h o w c a s e L i g h t i n g
M
be seen as a way that can emphasize the beauty your home already holds. Their main goals have always been customer satisfaction, being true to their customers’ vision, and helping them make their
Many who made it to this
evident in the way Showcase
and an experienced staff to
vision a reality. Their wide
year’s
Homes
Lighting considers their cus-
help you find what’s right
variety of products really al-
would have no doubt noticed
tomers when sourcing for
for you. From artwork and
lows for that to take place.
the beautiful fixtures that lit
their home accessories. You’ll
mirrors to dining tables and
Although everyone may have
up the rooms in which they
be more than pleased to find
chairs, take your time in shop-
a different decorating bud-
roamed. Showcase Lighting,
that their array of decora-
ping for your home furniture
get for their home, Showcase
who provided lighting for
tive fixtures doesn’t sacrifice
and décor all in one inspiring
Lighting always has some-
Westwind Homes, AB Homes,
quality for beauty.
place.
thing for every budget that
B&B Homes, and RE Signature
The brands chosen are care-
It’s more than just lighting
will make all the difference
Homes, first began its suc-
fully selected to ensure that
your home--like their slogan,
in their home. Their knowl-
cessful and bright endeavors
the lighting in your home is
“Lighting Your Way,” their
edgeable staff has an eye for
in 2005, with nearly 30 years
both beautiful and will last
main goal is to light the way
seeing the bigger picture and
of prior experience operat-
you nearly a lifetime.
to help you make the image
can help you envision what
ing as 3-G Electrical Supply.
Even if their beautiful show-
you have for your home come
the end project will look like.
Although the business has
room
what
to life. The name Showcase
Their staff will work closely
made many changes through-
you’re looking for, Showcase
Lighting also stems the idea
with you on your project to
out the years, its core values
Lighting offers numerous cat-
that lighting shouldn’t be your
ensure that your home ends
haven’t changed – people
alogs listing an abundance of
last thought when it comes
up even more beautiful than
first, lighting second. This is
different items for your home
to redecorating, but should
you could have imagined.
Parade
of
doesn’t
have
24
Photos by Fabian Colmenares
By Alejandra Cantu
Building unique homes, o n e d e ta i l at a t i m e : 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.
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
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 efforts for great customer service do nott stop once your new home is complete. From warranty work to handyman repairs, RE is committed to the relationship with you and your home.
RE Signature Homes is now building in D&J Alexander Estates, San Isidro- La Cuesta III & Puerta del Sol and Midtown at Santa Maria Heights at 359. RE Signature will soon be building on Lakeside.
At this year’s Parade of Homes, RE Signature Homes was awarded the Best Kitchen, Best Interior, Best Master Suite and Best Architectural Design for the category of Home Over 2,500 Square Feet. RE Signature also received the 2019 AEP Texas Award for the top energy efficient home in 2019. RE Signature Homes is truly a market leader of energy efficient construction.
26
28
DECOR
Photos by Alejandra Cantu
Exquisite M e x i c a n f u r n i t u r e at m e x p o r t s Mexports by Susana Molina
with gemstones like turquoise
rior design corporation called
Molina offers her customers a
offers brilliant elegant and
or red coral.
“Molina’s House” in Monter-
variety of options and styles.
unique furniture designs. The
The company has grown dras-
rey, Nuevo León. Molina de-
“Where Iron style exceeds
furniture is made in Mexico
tically and is definitely one
cided to expand her business.
your expectations” has been
and a warehouse in Laredo
of its kind in both the Dallas
She moved to San Antonio and
their motto since the begin-
Texas then shipped through
market and the International
started her new project.
ning of her company. Their
all United States and Canada.
Vegas Market Center. At mar-
In 2014, the brand was re-
manufacturing facilities are
The company originated in
ket, Mexports is currently on
named Mexports by SM cor-
located in Nuevo Laredo and
San Antonio by Susana Mo-
the first floor, which is a major
poration which has a perma-
the distribution facility center
lina, who is originally from
accomplishment.
nent spot on the first floor on
is located in Laredo Texas.
Nuevo Laredo in 1996.
Molina inherited her mother’s
Las Vegas International Mar-
Mexports by SM offers a wide
pristine taste in fashion and
ket Center where they sell
variety of options in designs
home Decor. After graduat-
wholesale furniture to many
and styles, including copper,
ing from the “Universidad
popular
travertine, stone and mes-
Autónoma de Tamaulipas,”
companies such as Neiman
quite wood tops, enhanced
she decided to start an inte-
Marcus.
nationwide
retail
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
30
DECOR
Photos and editorial by Alejandra Cantu
Defining D e c o r at i n g S t y l e
Traditional (The Lopez’s residence)
When it comes to interior design styles, almost everything is rooted in traditional interior design ideas, and for good reason. That said, you can make traditional style interior design all your own by incorporating pieces that speak to your personality and lifestyle while making a statement. It’s a timeless style that exemplifies elegance and comfort.
your T
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 Morale’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 modern features making it colorful and clean. It uses straightforward furniture and dramatic modern art.
32
DECOR Transitional Modern (The Gutierrez’s residence)
Transitional style is a marriage of traditional and modern furniture, finishes, materials and fabrics. The result is an elegant, enduring design that is comfortable, modern and classic. This design is also known as “updated classic.” The furniture has a mix of European classic decor with contemporary colors and furniture.
Spanish Eclectic (The Molina’s residence)
This design reflects Spanish and Contemporary furnishings. Colonial interiors can be quite elaborate. The decorations include richly colored walls, Spanish and Mexican art, and a gray metallic floor that brings out the eclectic design. This style delivers a warm and elegant atmosphere. Spanish interior design is a vibrant, colorful Mediterranean style. The elements of stone and ceramics are very common in Spanish design along with pottery, wrought iron pieces, and carved wooden panel.
34
Courtesy photos Visit their office at 311 Grand Central Blvd or give them a call at 956-712-9680 or 956-319-6449. Their office is open Monday through Friday from 9AM-6PM. For more information visit their webpage www.abhomes1.com or Facebook: www.facebook.com/ABhomeslaredo
You Dream It, We Build it! Reputation and quality: AB Homes has been build-
the client’s preferences. “In
we are building in South Lar-
selling because it is one of a
ing custom homes since 2002.
our one and only location, we
edo”.
kind. We would like to thank
The company has been turn-
have a full showcase room, a
AB Homes can build many
you all for your continuous
ing their client’s dream homes
cabinet shop, and architects
styles of homes, ranging from
support! Come join our AB
into a reality. RIO interviewed
waiting to design your dream
French Country to Modern
Homes family”.
Alberto Barajas, president of
home. We have thousands of
contemporary styles. Their
AB Homes on his journey as
colors and designs for you
client’s most popular home
a conduit to the home build-
to choose from. We are more
of choice is the traditional AB
ing process. He started his
than just a business. We pride
Home style. The home con-
first business in 1986 with the
ourselves in being a guide
struction company also builds
concept of designing custom
and becoming a friend in the
energy efficient homes. All of
kitchen cabinets. He later
process. We will hold your
their homes are beautifully
moved from California to Lar-
hand throughout the entire
detailed using every single
edo, in search of a new chal-
process, if needed,” said
square ft. to its full potential.
lenge. He decided to begin
Barajas.
AB Homes won their first
constructing homes and im-
AB Homes doesn’t neces-
award in 2005, and have won
proving the design of homes
sarily have a certain style;
an award every year since
for Laredoans. At AB Homes,
they build what the customer
then. They have earned many
people can expect quality,
wants. They currently have 22
awards to date since their
creative designs, and adding
contracted homes under con-
opening.“In most cases, when
their own personal flair to the
struction. “We have many lots
our customers turn around
design of their home.
to choose from, and one could
and sell their AB Home, they
Each home is custom built to
be yours! We are proud to say
always make a profit when
36
DECOR
Photos and editorial by Alexa Hernandez
Historic Bl o c k P a r t y
Laredo began the hot summer months with a His-
roamed the newly renovated and furnished homes,
toric Block Party featuring public tours of three old
admiring what each room had to offer. Each home
century mansions. Hosted by the St. Peter’s Historic
provided a space for local artists to display their
District, the Laredo Mansion, the social house, and
artwork, food trucks and vendors filled the sum-
La Mansion Villarreal opened their doors to any-
mer air with the smell of enticing street food, and
one and everyone who were intrigued by its ex-
a group of young at heart men filled the night with
terior. With cooling refreshments on hand, visitors
live music.
38
Courtesy photos
Able City awarded Merit Award as part of CNU’s 19th Annual Charter Awards
for Plan Viva Laredo
P
Viviana L. Frank-Franco.
Plan Viva Laredo, a long-term comprehen-
council 3 years ago. In the post Plan Viva
sive plan for the growth, economic devel-
Laredo era there is now a public mandate
opment and health of Laredo, Texas and its
to have both council and staff openly edu-
residents, was awarded a Merit Award for
cate and communicate with the Citizens
excellence in urban design, placemaking,
that we service,” said City Councilman
and community building. The award is a
George Altgelt.
part of the Congress for the New Urban-
“How a place is designed fundamentally
ism’s (CNU) 19th Annual Charter Awards
shapes people’s lives, said Lynn Richards,
in Washington, D.C. Plan Viva Laredo was
President and CEO of CNU. “That’s a pro-
developed with the support of Laredo’s
found responsibility, and Charter Award-
residents, public officials, and staff at the
winning designers take it seriously. See-
City of Laredo though various workshops
ing how quickly the public embraced Plan
and events led by Able City.
Viva Laredo, and how enthusiastically the city is enacting its reforms, reinforces
“When we were working on the comprehensive plan we knew it was something special because of the public engagement and how much people wanted to tell us what they valued and needed out of the city,” Mario A. Peña.
said Viviana L. Frank-Franco, Mario A. Peña, Frank Rotnofsky, and Diana Pena, Partners and Principals at Able City.
how important New Urbanist principles are, providing the seemingly simple building blocks for people in a community: options for home, work, and shopping; green spaces, connections to transit; and streets and sidewalks that are safe to walk and bike on.” The CNU Charter Awards identify exemplary work by CNU members who design places people care for. They recognize
Frank Rotnofsky.
Diana Pena.
Mayor Pete Saenz’s commitment to em-
architecture, planning, development and
brace Plan Viva Laredo has received sup-
landscape designs that offer accessible
port from everyone involved, especially
housing and diverse use spaces in distinct
the community, and continues to encour-
settings. Able City, along with winners
age progress with his words, “Don’t be
from other U.S. states, Puerto Rico, Hong
afraid to plan big.”
Kong, China, England and Mexico, will be
Plan Viva Laredo frames a vision of prac-
announced at the CNU’s annual Congress
ticality to create diverse, mixed-income,
where more than 1,400 people gather to
mixed-use,
pedestrian-oriented
hear speakers, participate in workshops,
neighborhoods and building development
collaborate on projects, and learn new
in Laredo. Although a long-term plan, Plan
strategies on June 14, 2019 at the Ali Cen-
Viva Laredo began to take shape prior to its
ter in Louisville, Kentucky.
adoption as it was unanimously approved
Able City is based in the heart of down-
by City Council one year from its introduc-
town in both Laredo and San Antonio, Tex-
tion. Immediately, quality of life advocates
as. Their goal is to empower and inform
showed an interest in the plan’s new urban-
society through architecture, urban plan-
ist principles, and new bike lanes emerged
ning, and civic engagement that inspires,
from the enthusiasm.
and empowers citizens into becoming
“Plan Viva Laredo has transformed the
city makers. To learn more visit them on-
city as I knew it from when I first entered
line at www.able.city.
and
40
DECOR
Build yo u r d r e a m
pool a n d b a c k ya r d
W
Whether you need a spot to relax, play with the kids or get in some exercise, a swimming pool can be an ideal addition to your backyard. However, building a pool is not a simple project — it requires careful planning to get the job done right. Pools by Aqua Design, a family-owned business, transform backyards into stunning outdoor living environments that will make you proud to be a Laredo homeowner. Your family’s dream of enjoying a custom pool and patio can become a reality with Aqua Design. The construction, retail and maintenance process
What to know before building a pool: Check Zoning Laws Before looking for a contractor, you must verify that you are able to build a pool on your property. Check your local zoning laws to see if there are any restrictions that might affect your project. Hire the Right Contractor Make sure your contractor has a license and insurance. Get Estimate for Installation Costs You should get an estimate of the installation costs before beginning your project. Aqua Design offers free estimates and financing. Your choice of surface material for the pool plays a significant factor in its final cost.
should be an exciting, fun, and stress-free experience. With more than 40 years in the swimming pool industry, the Aqua Design team of designers, managers, and consultants deliver this experience to your pool project. Aqua Design also offers landscaping, sprinkler system installation, nursery, pergolas, cabanas and more.
Maintenance Keep in mind that a pool needs cleaning and maintenance weekly. Aqua Design offers the best cleaning system in the world and the best warranties. Time Frame It takes around 5-8 weeks on average to build a pool, but the weather can play a factor. Cesar Cantu, owner at Aqua Design, recommends to build during the winter.
Don’t let another year go by with your family suffering from 100-degree weather. Build your dream pool with Aqua Design. Get the best products, cleaning systems and pool equipment at 313 W Village Blvd #102. Visit their store Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
42
Parade of 2 0 19
O
On the weekend of June 21st, locals flocked to the 22nd An-
nual Laredo Parade of Homes. Presented by the Laredo Builders Association, this event gives current and prospective homeowners the chance to see the talent of local craftsmen and interior designers come to life. At this year’s Parade of Homes, attendees had the opportunity of stepping into 10 jaw-droppingly beautiful homes and getting inspiration for their current or future homes, as well as invaluable home buying advice from Parade Hosts. Whether you were able to attend or not, your opportunity to relive this year’s Parade of Homes awaits you:
1. AB Homes 5312 Guajardo Circle- Mid town at Santa Maria 1,570 square feet living area 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths High ceilings
Homes 2. RE Signature Homes 2408 Ken Kesey Drive- D&J Alexander Estates
2,217 square feet Porcelain floors Panoramic windows
44
3. RE Signature Homes 3021 Chaucer Dr. D&J Alexander Estates Open concept Quartz and quartzite counter tops Palapa, outdoor kitchen and pool
4. Sky Limited 2901 Dickinson Drive- D&J Alexander Estates 4 Bedrooms, 4.5 baths Two story Tv game room
6. Icon Homes 8902 Stream Lane Allen Woods Open concept Smart home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths Porcelain tile
5. KRK Homes 2604 Chardonnay Drive- Plantation Reserve Smart home Decorative chandeliers Maple cabinets
46
7. AB Homes 704 Laja Loop- San Isidro, La Cuesta 4 2,450 square feet Inside chimney Beautiful bar
8. Pro-Builder Inc. 706 Laja Loop- San Isidro La Cuesta Custom wood cabinetry Designer back splash 2 car garage
10. Westwind Homes 11336 Palmillas Loop- Villas San Austin 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths Upgraded light fixtures Wood and iron hand rail
9. B&B Homes 1226 Larvotto Loop – Monaco 2,359 square feet Porcelain bath tiles Barn door furniture