NHOME Texas Magazine May/June 2014

NH ME TEXAS

LUXURY LIVING

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DESIGNS

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HOME IDEAS

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R E A L E S TAT E

MAKING EVERY PROJECT A WINNER Premier Parade of Homes Player

CKC CUSTOM HOMES



DENNIS KUSENBERGER,

FIRST-CLASS HOME FINDER

+

STAY IN CONTROL Outdoor Home Automation 

A DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE NORTH STAR GIVES 2014

MAY//JUNE 2014

// WHAT IT TAKES QUALIFYING FOR A MILLION-DOLLAR // M A Y / / J U HOME NE 2014 NHO ME

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OBSESSED WITH SERVICE FOR OVER 30 YEARS

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Unparalleled Knowledge and Expertise!

“Custom home building is an art. I strive to create exclusive designs and features, integrating quality materials and craftsmanship, building a home that reflects your personality and lifestyle needs.�

- Mike Hollaway, President

www.mikehollaway.com 2511 N. Loop 1604 W. Suite 200 San Antonio, Texas 78258 Mike Hollaway, President

210.490.0069 MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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NEW DATE!

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/ NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

may//june 2014 TEXAS NHOME MAGAZINE

CUSTOM HOMES CKC Custom Homes

Chuck and Kristal Powell have a passion for building dream homes – and the dynamic duo behind this multi-award-winning homebuilder has both the savvy and the skills to make every home a winner.

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features 40 OUTDOOR LIVING

Taking Home Automation Outside Chris Greer of John’s Landscaping talks some state-of-the-art, simple-to-use technology that can ensure your outdoor space is just as luxurious – and convenient – as your indoor space.

58 REAL ESTATE

Realtor Profile: Dennis Kusenberger This top-performing RE/MAX agent spreads the word about the picturesque town of Fredericksburg, pairing those who are looking for luxury in the Texas Hill Country with the home of their dreams.

78 FINANCE

Qualifying for a Million-Dollar Home Looking for luxury in the seven-digit range? Easton Crafts of Directions Equity Home Loan sheds some light on what it takes to qualify – and why it may surprise you.

82 COMMUNITY INSPIRATION North Star Gives 2014

More than 400 people turned out to honor eight men and women with a genuine desire to make a difference at this inspiring event, which raised more than $51,000 for local charities.

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in this issue

NHOME staff

ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

Dine

Real Estate

20 Drinks All Around

60 Ultra-Luxury in San Antonio

Custom Homes

Industry Insights

34 Endless Possibilities 36 Who Ya Gonna Call?

66 Voices of the

Functional Design

Arts & Culture

48 Empire State of Design 52 Dream Doors

Green 54 Diamonds: An Area

Homebuyer's Best Friend

Professionals

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

68 A World of Sensory Overload

70 Unveling Texas

Great Escapes 74 Something for Everyone

Events 88 Summer Fun Around San Antonio 90 Interior Designers Mean Business!

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chinyere Okoro

IN EVERY ISSUE

RENDERING: 2014 PARADE OF HOMES DOMINION, DESIGNED

BY OSCAR FLORES Note: The home pictured on the cover is not the same home featured in the article on page 26

09 On the Cover 10 A Note From the Publisher 14 Contributors 16 Advisory Board INTERN

Miriam Guajardo Resendez

OU T OF TOUCH.

A HERD OF DEER AS YOUR GALLERY. A FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN. THE WAGER AND BRAGGING RIGHTS...

UNTIL NEXT WEEKEND.

Getting here is easy, leaving is a whole other matter.

Turns out you can get satisfaction, there is a heaven on earth and love at first sight is a real thing. Sure, having an incredible

GUADALUPE RIVER

Nicklaus Signature golf course whispering your name every day can put an irrepressible smile on your face. But that’s just one of the many rewards that comes from living at Cordillera Ranch.

We invite you to see how life is better out here.

Luxury Hill Country living from the $500’s+ www.CordilleraRanch.com | 888-66-RANCH

Life is better out here.

Golf Club | River Club | Social Club | Spa & Athletic Club | Tennis & Swim Club | Rod & Gun Club | Equestrian Club

Television Show

Every Saturday evening at 11:30 pm on

HOSTED BY:

Virginia Tovar Yamin

A weekly 30-minute TV show featuring multi-million dollar luxurious homes that are FOR SALE by some of the TOP SELLING REALTORS in and around the San Antonio, Boerne, and Fredricksburg areas.

You’ll also hear from a variety of experts in the upscale home industry offering TIPS, IDEAS, and TRENDS on:      

Home Interior Design Pools  Art Tile & Stone Elegant Accessories Furniture  Automobiles And so much more!

www.luxurioushomeliving.com For more information on how to be on the show, contact 210.683.3711 If you’re in the market to buy or sell a home go to www.toprealtorssa.com 8

/ NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

{ ON THE COVER {

// ARCHITECT: OSCAR FLORES // PHOTOGRAPHY: SIGGI RAGNAR

About CKC Custom Homes: BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME is our passion, and we pursue this with great integrity. We will join you in your construction journey at any point. This may mean beginning the process from the ground up on your lot or designing a complete renovation of your current residence. The result is always a one-of-a-kind custom house that is perfectly suited to its location and unique topography – something the Powells are passionate about. CKC recognizes that a luxury custom home is the perfect way to celebrate your success. Call us today to get started on your new home!

Charles (Chuck) Vincent Powell

is the cofounder of CKC Custom Homes. He works directly with all clients to create customized plans and budgets to guarantee the delivery of quality custom homes. Because of his extensive background in construction and finance, he is able to apply his knowledge to ensure that all CKC clients receive the home they desire.

Kristal Powell is the cofounder of CKC Custom Homes, and she is the driving force behind the beauty and elegance that are evident in CKC’s finished homes. She uses a hands-on approach, personally assisting clients in the selection of paint, tile, cabinets and all aspects of design. Much of CKC’s success can be attributed to her passion for perfecting the unique style of CKC Custom Homes.

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a note from the publisher

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ith much excitement, we welcome you to our May/June issue! We hope that this – and every – issue is one you will take the time to read from cover to cover because you just can’t put it down!

Featured on our cover is a home by CKC Custom Homes that will be included in the upcoming GSABA Parade of Homes at The Dominion. In the article, Chuck and Kristal Powell of CKC, who have won numerous awards for their creative and elegant homes over the past 14 years, discuss why building dream homes for clients is their passion. Read the article for more insight into how these dynamic partners in both business and life are turning dreams into reality for so many. And be sure to attend this year’s Parade of Homes from June 21 to 29 to enjoy a tour of this home and to get a firsthand look at the Powells’ work. The home was designed by architect Oscar E. Flores.

Our featured realtor in this issue is Dennis Kusenberger of RE/MAX Town & Country in Fredericksburg, who shares his secrets to helping those in the affluent market find luxury, quality homes with lots of land and privacy. We documentPROUD MEMBER OF: ed his enthusiastic comments about Fredericksburg and even featured the picturesque Hill Country town in our Great Escapes section. Find out what’s for you in Fredericksburg, which is known for its wineries and described as “the heart of the Hill Country.”

Most of our readers must know we love highlighting individuals and organizations that are giving back to their communities. For this issue, we chose to highlight North Star Gives in our Community inspiration section. A few years ago, I was very fortunate to serve on the selection board for the very first North Star Gives, which has since become a huge success, thanks to a partnership with the Volvo Center and Saks Fifth Avenue. In the article, read about the eight women and men who were honored at the event for raising more than $51,000 in support of local charities and touching so many lives.

NHOME brings you many interesting articles on a variety of topics, and we’re always open to new ideas. So we hope you enjoy the articles in the pages that follow, and please feel free to send us your feedback on what you would like to see in a future issue. As always, thank you so much for your continued support!

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER

Adaku Okoro, publisher adaku@nhometx.com

At NHOME magazine, we are proud to share some positive feedback contributed by some of our valued readers and friends.

Dear Adaku: I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to write you to say thank you for including my article about H-E-B’s Operation Appreciation campaign in your lovely publication. Winell Herron recently gave me several copies of it. I’ve been a writer at H-E-B in various communication roles for 18 years, and I’ve written many blog posts and articles for our internal publications, but it was still such a thrill to see my byline and article in print. The spread was beautiful. Thank you so much for shining a light on the great work we are doing as a company to help our wounded warriors, veterans and servicemen and women.

All the Best, Sonya Edmondson Georgeff Partner Communications and Culture | Communication Advisor

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Dear Adaku: My name is Gabriela Tawil, and I enjoy your magazine. I have three sets of twins, and have remodeled my old Elm Creek homes. I am a designer and realtor, and NHOME Texas gives you a quick, in-depth read on traditional crazes, as well as newer trends in our South Texas market. NHOME has provided insight to me and many in the business of luxury living, interior design and realty. Time is of the essence these days, with long work hours and raising six children. Thanks, NHOME Texas!

Gabriela G. Tawil Home Team Of America – Realtor Wonderland Home Designs – Interior Design Consultant

DESIGN, BUILD & RENOVATIONS

The perfect way to celebrate success!

7902 Calle Rialto, Suite 200 San Antonio Texas 78257 www.ckccustomhomes.com

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NH ME TEXAS

MAY // JUNE 2014

PUBLISHER

Adaku Okoro ART DIRECTOR Elisa Giordano

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Erin O’Brien

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Chinyere Okoro

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angela Clack Easton Crafts Gabriel Diego Delgado Adrian Galvan Chris Greer Rita Zenzen Heck Chloe Scheller Kim Young Patricia Zars

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Greg Harrison Siggi Ragnar Jason Roberts

INTERN

Miriam Guajardo Resendez

The Art of 3M3KA! a canvas art and rug designer

eokoro@gmail.com 704.241.1759 http://www.imagekind.com/art/stunning/emeka/ artwork-on/fine-art-prints 12

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www.nhometx.com For advertising information, please call 210.568.9688 or email info@nhometx.com.

For editorial comments and suggestions, please email info@nhometx.com.

TO REACH US: 10221 Desert Sands Ste. 208 San Antonio Texas 78216 Phone: 210.568.9688 Copyright © by NHOME Texas Magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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contributors

KIM YOUNG

PATRICIA ZARS

CHLOE SCHELLER

ADRIAN GALVAN

Kim Young, a native Texan, is a broker/associate with BH&G RE Bradfield Properties who has been assisting luxury buyers and sellers in the San Antonio and Hill Country areas since 1999. She is a third-year recipient of the coveted Five Star Professional Award for customer service and a past recipient of the Platinum Top 50 award. She is a mother of four, including twin daughters who recently turned 21. In addition to her real estate career, she is an author and co-author of the Creating Machine series, and she writes for various publications and websites.

Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and business owners, it was a natural progression for Patricia Zars to dive right into the family swimming pool business after completing her B.A. in Business Marketing.

In summer 2003, armed with her entrepreneurial spirit, her degree and a lot of drive, she decided to pursue a career in real estate, the field her husband, Lane Rogers, already worked in. Zars has also completed the extensive broker's licensing requirements and obtained her broker's license on Feb. 1, 2012.

Chloe Scheller, a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, is the communications coordinator for InFluential Magazine in Austin, Texas. She is also the assistant editor for Hackney Publications and a PR/marketing representative for Deborah Main and Snack Bar Austin. In her free time, Scheller enjoys traveling, photography, the outdoors and spending time with her pup, Chief.

Adrian Galvan, Allied ASID, is the principal of the awardwinning interior design firm, Designology, the Lifestyle Design Company. His strengths in networking and marketing have brought success to the firm, as well as exposure to the interior design profession and industry. As a longstanding member of ASID, he has served on the San Antonio ASID board as design community chair and more recently as special events chair.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

EASTON CRAFTS

ANGELA CLACK

RITA ZENZEN HECK

Easton Crafts is the CEO of Directions Equity, LLC. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1995 and in that time has closed thousands of loan transactions of all types including Conventional, FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Jumbo and Construction Loans. He co-founded Directions Equity in 2007 along with his business partner Marc Spitzer and together they have helped the company increase production over 20% per year since its inception. Easton holds a degree in Business Administration with concentration in real estate finance and mortgage lending. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals and SA North Chamber.

Few people will confess a love of eating, but Angela Clack lists eating among her hobbies. She believes life is best experienced in the enjoyment of great food with family and friends. Her tastes range from casual street foods to exotic selections and fine dining. Clack enjoys traveling and uses it as an excuse to immerse herself in the local cuisine and culture. Raised on highly seasoned traditional Southern fare, she seeks out authentic food and dining experiences and documents her discoveries for other food lovers.

In her hometown of Chicago, Rita Zenzen Heck was a newspaper and magazine editor and TV copywriter. She currently lives in San Antonio and volunteers with the Majestic Theatre, the San Antonio Sports Association, the San Antonio Conservation Society, the San Antonio Council for International Visitors and the San Antonio Downtown Residents Association. Heck has worked for Stars and Stripes, Overseas Weekly and Made In Europe magazine, as well as in advertising and PR, before opening her own Creative Overflow. She added The Green Connection in 1995, also producing green building showcases and her own green building and education magazine and events. Since 1995, she has hosted and produced The Green Connection television show on digital cable channel 20, which airs Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/ communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

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CHRISTOPHER GREER Christopher Greer’s father, Terry Greer, is a design engineer who says, “as far back as I can remember, there was always a set of blueprints rolled up in a secluded corner somewhere in the house, along with a square, compass and a scale atop a work-filled desk.”

So you could say design runs in the family! Fresh out of school, Christopher Greer went to work for a large commercial design/build firm. His work today reflects that experience.

“I’ll always be an architect first,” Greer says. “I approach projects with an artistic design mindset, and somehow I naturally see a finished product the moment I step foot into a space. My designs are always about form and function. It’s a trait I picked up from my father. I want people to enjoy the spaces we build for years and years.”

Enjoy the Hollywood Experience!

 Custom and standard garage door designs

 Award-winning customer service  San Antonio’s only IDEA-accredited garage door dealer

Call Us to Discuss Your Project 210.494.3434 www.hollywoodcrawford.com MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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advisory board

PEGGY ZETTNER

MIKE HOLLAWAY

BELINDA VELA-REYNA

A realtor and real estate business owner since 1991, Denise Graves started the Graves Group in 2003 with the vision to offer extraordinary service to her clients, both locally and globally. The Graves Group has been in the Top 25 Real Estate Teams (SABJ) since 2005 and continues to set the standard for real estate in San Antonio and the Hill Country. With her 20-plus years of real estate experience in the area and her business mantra of “high tech, high touch,” Graves makes her properties stand out and keeps clients coming back.

San Antonio native Peggy Zettner has been in the wholesale interior design industry for more than 21 years. As president of Interior Trade Cartel Inc. (ITC) for the past 17-plus years, she has seen many changes in the local interior design market. And business has never been better. Zettner has always felt there was a need to bring more design product to the trade in San Antonio.

ITC currently represents more than 100 lines of product. ITC is an ASID industry partner, and it is very involved in the community. As a wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Zettner stays pretty busy. She loves entertaining family and friends, and her newest passion has been getting involved personally in the community. Her two biggest passions are CASA and Wounded Warriors.

Mike Hollaway enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the San Antonio area’s most prestigious builders of fine custom homes since 1992. One of his many well-earned awards was the 2008 Builder of the Year. He is a past president of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association; he holds graduate master builder (GMB) and certified green professional (CGP) designations from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB); and he is a voting director of the Texas Association of Builders and the NAHB. Hollaway currently builds throughout San Antonio, as far north as Austin and Horseshoe Bay and as far south as the Eagle Ford Shale. Some of his community involvement includes being a past member of Rey Feo court, and he is honored to have been chosen to build the 2013 St. Jude’s Dream Home.

Belinda Vela-Reyna is originally from Corpus Christi, Texas. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Master of Science degree in Educational Guidance and Counseling from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.

She retired from an 11-year career as a U.S. probation officer for the Western District of Texas San Antonio Division to stay home with her two beautiful daughters, Alexandria and Mia. She also has two amazing stepchildren, Danielle and John, and a wonderful husband. She has always had a passion for design, and she recently enjoyed renovating her new home with the help of Trent Hultgren.

BARRY DENTON

EDNA DE SARO

EASTON CRAFTS

KRISTAL POWELL

As the director of real estate sales at Cordillera Ranch, Barry Denton is dedicated to creating an environment where people work together to consistently exceed goals. Prior to joining Cordillera Ranch, he worked for Bluegreen Communities, starting as a sales consultant in 2000 and ultimately becoming the South Texas regional sales director in 2009. Denton also has a background in teaching and in the golf business, and he remains a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he has been a licensed real estate agent since 1991 and a licensed broker since 2005.

Edna De Saro is the senior vice president of Lone Star National Bank.

As marketing director of one of the fastest growing banks in Texas, De Saro is involved in the development and implementation of all strategic marketing objectives that include corporate branding, public relations and market positioning.

Easton Crafts is the CEO of Directions Equity LLC. He has been in the mortgage industry since 1995, and in that time, he has closed thousands of loan transactions of all types, including Conventional, FHA, VA, Texas Vet, USDA, Jumbo and Construction Loans.

He co-founded Directions Equity in 2007, along with his business partner Marc Spitzer, and together they have helped the company increase production more than 20 percent per year since its inception. Easton holds a degree in business administration with a concentration in real estate finance and mortgage lending. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mortgage Professionals and the San Antonio North Chamber.

Kristal Powell is the cofounder of CKC Custom Homes who serves as the driving force behind the beauty and elegance that is evident in the company’s finished homes. She uses a hands-on approach, personally assisting clients in the selection of paint, tile, cabinets and all aspects of design. Much of CKC’s success can be attributed to Powell’s passion for perfecting the unique style of CKC Custom Homes.

Nelson Enochs

DENISE GRAVES

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S PE C IA L ADVERTIS ING S ECTI ON

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DINE GIVE YOUR KITCHEN A BREAK AND DINE WITH US TONIGHT

AGEZINDER/BIGSTOCK.COM

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MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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advisory board (cont'd) Frederick Costa continues to write his love sonnets in fine cuisine and wine and the latest creation is not only a new look for Frederick’s Restaurant — complete with a fresh menu featuring his latest French and Asian favorites offering a variety of tastes to try.

DALE PONDER Dale Ponder is the owner and operator of Cozy Outdoor Escapes, an outdoor living retail center focusing on customer service and high-end equipment. His career started in the electrical trades, where he held various positions in a large, nonunion shop in San Antonio, where he was raised.

He later entered the international market, project managing the construction of drug interdiction radar sites throughout South and Central America and owning and operating a telecommunication construction service company in Caracas, Venezuela. Ponder left the business in 2010 to pursue his passion for the outdoor living retail sector. He developed a business plan, and Cozy Outdoor Escapes opened to the public in March 2011.

REV. DR. CLAUDETTE COPELAND

Try our new Happy Hour appetizers and drink specials at our New Bar at the Broadway location!

Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland has served in a variety of ministry settings, including the Hospital Chaplaincy and the Mission Field (in Haiti, South Africa, West Africa and East Africa), and is a former member of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Copeland is a founding co-convener of the Women in Ministry Training Conference, serving aspiring and active women ministers in all seasons of their journey. She is married to the Bishop David Michael Copeland. She serves with her husband as executive pastor of the New Creation Christian Fellowship Church, a thriving nondenominational church in Windcrest, Texas, just outside San Antonio. Copeland also has a passion and appreciation for beautiful homes and exquisite décor.

GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO Gabriel Diego Delgado is an art consultant at J.R. Mooney Galleries of Fine Art. He has spent almost a decade in nonprofit art management, serving as a curator of exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art; the project manager of research and development at the Museo Alameda (a Smithsonian affiliate); the community outreach/ communications director for an art and education nonprofit; and a working professional artist. He is a freelance curator and arts reviewer for several publications. His artwork has been shown in Arco 2012 (Madrid, Spain), New York, New York and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) D.C., as well as numerous galleries and venues.

To make reservations call #210.885.3782

www.frederickssa.com M O N D AY T H R O U G H F R I D AY: 11:30 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. lunch 5:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. dinner S AT U R D AY: 5:30 p.m. — 10:00 p.m. dinner

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TRISH NAJIM As a realtor and certified luxury home marketing specialist, Trish Najim prides herself in providing her clients a service to best assist them with their real estate needs regardless of whether they are sellers or buyers. Najim is with Keller Williams Realty Luxury International in San Antonio, and she is also a certified staging consultant and an interior design consultant. With her design background, she is able to work with buyers to visualize themselves in the home of their dreams, and to help sellers make their homes appealing to buyers.

forget the tie. dad might need a bib.

this father’s day, show dad how much he means to you by taking him out for a mouth-watering meal at myron’s prime steakhouse. we serve up the top 2% hand-cut and wet-aged prime beef in america. it’s one decision that’s sure to make him proud.

INVITE THE EXTENDED FAMILY! private dining rooms are available for parties up to 60.

MYRONSPRIME.COM NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS | 136 NORTH CASTELL | 830.624.1024 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS | MILITARY HIGHWAY & WURZBACH PARKWAY | 210.493.3031

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// dine //

Drinks All Around

WHETHER YOU PREFER A COLD IMPORTED BEER OR A FANCY SWEET MARTINI, THE ALAMO CITY HAS THE IDEAL PLACE FOR YOU TO WHET YOUR WHISTLE. // BY: ANGELA CLACK

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BOULE/BIGSTOCK.COM

W

arm summer nights are perfect for sipping a cocktail, sharing a good bottle of wine or enjoying a cold beer. Here are a few spots worth visiting: Yard House is a beer lover’s dream destination. Renowned for their wide selection of domestic, craft and imported beer, Yard House at La Cantera offers a number of half-priced appetizers and pizzas during their weeknight happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. and their special late nights on Sunday through Thursday from 9 to 11 p.m.

Biga on the Banks doesn’t advertise a happy hour, but visitors wise enough to choose Chef Bruce Auden’s award-winning cuisine will discover that his menu also features a number of delightful cocktails, including my favorite: the Jade Martini. It’s just one of a number of martinis on an impressive list that includes great margaritas and, of course, wonderful wine selections.

Visit Perry’s Bar 79 any time from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday or from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Too posh to be called a happy hour, the Perry’s “social hour” is appropriately named. The chic setting is perfect for relaxing with business associates after a long week. If, like me, you have trouble deciding on a cocktail, sample three of

their mixology cocktails for just $9.

My trio included the Bulleit Manhattan made with bourbon and vermouth, White Port Sangria with muddled mango and apricot and the Pineapple Ginger Mojito. There’s something for everyone on their list of appetizers – you can choose escargot, pork chop sliders or pizza.

I have it from a reliable source that The Grille at Leon Springs is a target rich environment for singles. I can independently confirm that their sangria is a treat regardless of your marital status. Dark and cozy, the grille is the perfect setting to meet, mingle, dine and dance. The best night of the week to visit: Tuesday.

Out of free-range, omega 3 brown eggs, gluten-free bread and free trade coffee? That’s a perfect excuse to stop at Bar Blanco in the Whole Foods Market. Pull a bottle of prosecco out of their fridge, and grab a seat at the bar. Wine and beer at the bar is priced as marked on the shelf. That’s why regulars make themselves at home during lunch or right after work on weeknights. They know they can enjoy a light meal of delicate sushi, or have the chef prepare a fresh pizza or put together an assortment of cheeses or small bites from the grocer’s specialty area. Who knew the grocery store could be so much fun?

I like Bar Louie. You can’t beat $5 burger night every Tuesday after 5 p.m. Can’t make it on Tuesday? Stop by on “Tini” Thursday for a $5 martini or a $3 draft. My favorite martini is the Clover, made with Makers Mark, Hennessy, agave nectar, lemon and orange juice. They’ve also got a strawberry lemonade sangria made with pure cane sugar, Sprite and pinot grigio. There are some clever nonalcoholic selections, as well. I tried the Raging Bull, which consists of Red Bull, strawberry puree and ginger ale.

It tastes like a Jolly Rancher.

MAX’s Wine Dive, with great loud music, is a favorite spot for – you guessed it – wine. Happy hour, which features excellent wine by the glass ($7) and by the bottle ($35 to $45) is Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m., plus the last two hours of

YARD HOUSE

www.yardhouse.com

BIGA ON THE BANKS www.biga.com

PERRY’S BAR 79

www.perryssteakhouse.com/ bar-79

THE GRILLE AT LEON SPRINGS

www.leonspringsgrill.com

BAR BLANCO AT WHOLE FOOD'S MARKET

www.wholefoodsmarket.com/ service/bar-blanco

BAR LOUIE

www.barlouieamerica.com

MAX’S WINE DIVE

www.maxswinedive.com

CIBOLO MOON

www.marriott.com/hotelrestaurants/satjw-jw-marriottsan-antonio-hill-country-resortand-spa/cibolo-moon/168019/ home-page.mi

BOHANAN’S

www.bohanans.com

THE BROOKLYNITE

http://thebrooklynitesa.com

BLUE BOX

http://blueboxbar.com

business – that’s from 10 to midnight, making MAX’s a great spot grab a bite after a movie. Their happy hour menu is limited, but fun, with fried pickles, chili mac and wings. Get a great mimosa at brunch on Saturday or Sunday, and find out why everyone raves about the made-to-order fried chicken wings and waffles.

Escape to Cibolo Moon at the J.W. Marriott, and take a seat at the Tequila Bar. Choose one of the jalapeno- and fruit-infused tequilas. Delightfully deceptive, my strawberry jalapeno margarita started sweet and ended with a kick. Breakfast, lunch and dinner at Cibolo Moon are in keeping with their theme. Just about everything is comforting and well prepared, including the brisket burnt ends, which consist of bison meatloaf and guacamole with optional bacon and grilled onions.

Bohanan’s has managed to elevate the cocktail hour to a level well beyond that of other establishments. Their website brazenly boasts about the training their bar staff has received from Sasha Petraske – “a major player in the cocktail renaissance.” The bartenders decline to call themselves mixologists. Their emphasis is on the perfect execution of time-honored recipes using exceptional ingredients. This commitment, together with the soothing atmosphere and eclectic live music, makes Bohanan’s a must-stop for those who seek the finest sipping experience the city has to offer.

I got a number of enthusiastic referrals for The Brooklynite, but I have yet to visit. I am curious to learn what’s behind the inconspicuous exterior and why this spot was voted San Antonio’s best cocktail bar.

Also on my list of bars to visit is Blue Box at the Pearl Brewery. I’ve been told to tell the bartender what ingredients I like and trust that I’ll get a one-of-a-kind cocktail. We’ll see.

Please drink responsibly, and designate a driver. Here’s a suggestion: Show your appreciation to your designated driver by picking up the bill for his or her meal – and next time, you drive. ■

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SAN ANTONIO

T W O L O C AT I O N S I N S A N A N T O N I O !

Mid-Week Power Lunches & Weekend Brunch. Happy Hour & Dinner Nightly.

Full Service Off-Site Catering. On-Site Banquets & Events.

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then come upstairs to Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and

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mitierracafe.com

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lamargarita.com

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In true fiesta spirit, Mi Tierra CafĂŠ and Bakery never closes, serving up art and culture along with its famous Tex-Mex dishes 24 hours a day.

La Margarita originated sizzling fajitas.

Two patios offer a friendly spot for dining al fresco and people watching.

Pico de Gallo’s vibrant atmosphere makes any meal a celebration. The restaurante is a favorite for its authentic home-style dishes.

Mariachi Bar is an exciting venue for live music, a festive place to celebrate the colorful tradition of Mariachi music at Mi Tierra in Market Square.

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A trusted Pool Builder from San Antonio to Austin

As one of the largest family owned pool companies in Texas, we pride ourselves in our long-standing reputation for quality custom swimming pools, beautiful backyard designs, and superior customer service. Since building our first pool in 1978, we’ve completed over 10,000 projects in Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas, including custom designed pools, pool remodels, patios, cabanas, and a variety of outdoor living areas. Whether you require a basic pool design or an entire backyard renovation, our award winning design team and experienced pool construction crew will work with you to create a beautiful space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Visit our New Design Center 16264 San Pedro (Hwy 281 & Thousand Oaks) Call 210.524.0177 www.TexasPoolsandPatios.com

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contact@colonialirondoors.com www.colonialirondoors.com 12133 Colwick St. (@ Nakoma) San Antonio, TX 78216 MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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Bringing Beauty // CUSTOM HOMES //

THANKS TO THE STRONG PARTNERSHIP AND REAL ESTATE SAVVY OF CHUCK AND KRISTAL POWELL, AT CKC CUSTOM HOMES, EVERY PROJECT IS A WINNER. // BY: KIM YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY: SIGGI RAGNAR

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/ NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

K

ristal and Chuck Powell and the story of CKC Custom Homes exemplify the words of Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” And you'll be able to experience the beauty of a CKC custom home at the 2014 San Antonio Parade of Homes at The Dominion from June 21 to 29. As the winner of several San Antonio Parade of Homes awards, including the coveted Peoples Choice Award, CKC Custom Homes is known for their creative floor plans and outdoor living spaces.

What started as strong marital partnership blossomed into a successful business partnership because Kristal had a vision of Chuck using his talent and experience to bring beauty into the lives of others.

They formed CKC Custom Homes in 2002, and the beauty continues to grow as they design, build and renovate in San Antonio and across the Texas Hill Country. They attribute their success to their uncompromising dedication to designing and constructing quality custom homes.

With Kristal’s style and eye for unique and elegant design, every project is a winner, as their numerous yearly builder and peer awards indicate. They are seeing tremendous growth and activity in the San Antonio new construction market. “We have a shortage of developed/inventory lots,” Chuck said. “If you see a lot that you like, buy it. Do not wait – it will be gone next week.”

Regarding trends in the building world, Chuck observed, “The styling trend is tilted towards the contemporary/modern spectrum with energy efficiency always a top concern for builders and buyers. Water conservation through artificial grass has also become a priority.”

Chuck is glad to see the building codes change in a positive way and aim at improving energy efficiency, which is not only good for the environment, but great for your budget. “New homes are required to have better insulation, including tighter doors and windows, which prevent conditioned air from escaping – heat in the winter and cold air in the summer – and

help maintain ideal temperatures,” he said.

Chuck explained that there are numerous reasons to choose a new home over a presale such as energy-efficient appliances installed from the start, which is typically less expensive than upgrading and remodeling.

“Resale homes have already experienced years of wear and tear,” he said. “Our experience has been in nearly every case, a home that’s already been lived in will need some form of repair – a new paint job, new carpets or even more expensive projects like new plumbing or flooring. This doesn’t happen with new custom home construction. Maintenance for new homes will also MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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THE POWELLS ATTRIBUTE THEIR SUCCESS TO THEIR UNCOMPROMISING DEDICATION TO DESIGNING AND CONSTRUCTING QUALITY CUSTOM HOMES.

MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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passion.

AT CKC CUSTOM HOMES, BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME IS THEIR

be less expensive in the long run. New homes are designed with minimal maintenance in mind, so you can go years or even decades without needing any major work done. The cost of building or buying will only rise over time – buy now or buy later at a higher price. The price of building is rising rapidly due to the labor shortages and high demand.”

At CKC Custom Homes, they pride themselves on their one-of-a-kind custom home, paying special attention to the site location and topography of the land, as well as the sun and the wind. “Taking advantage of natural cooling and heating is more cost effective,” Chuck said, “and utilizing the natural landscape is part of the reason that no two CKC custom homes are alike.”

Building your dream home is their passion. At CKC Custom Homes, they give special attention to each project and make it their goal to reserve and plan for the necessary time before taking on new projects.

They understand that shopping for a home can be frustrating. Even when you know what you want and need in a home, it’s often impossible to find a house that’s an exact match in style and size and in the right location.

CKC Custom Homes focuses on knowing each client – understanding their needs, visions and goals for their home. They also work with some of San Antonio’s best architects and craftsmen to make your dream home come true.

“When you choose to build a custom house, you’ll be able to design the home of your dreams, from number of rooms, to layout, to style and features and much more,” Chuck said. “You’ll have exactly what you want in the right location.” Whether you’ve purchased your lot or just started dreaming about your future custom home, CKC will join you on the journey. ■

For more information on CKC Custom Homes, visit www.ckccustomhomes.com.

Note: While NHOME officially adheres to AP style, certain exceptions were made in the editing of this article.

MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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// CUSTOM HOMES // LIFE IS GOOD AT CORDILLERA RANCH,

Endless Possibilities CORDILLERA RANCH: WHERE LIFE IS BETTER // BY: KIM YOUNG // PHOTOGRAPHY: SIGGI RAGNAR

69 AUGUSTA

73 WINGED FOOT

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as the preferred builders are staying busy with preferred builder fairs, open houses, meetings with prospective homeowners and the building of new homes. During this Parade of Homes season, as you finalize your luxury home search, be sure to schedule an appointment to view the offerings at Cordillera Ranch.

445 Augusta: Priced at $2,500,000, this Burdick & Christofilis custom home has fabulous Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course frontage.

The immaculately designed Italian farmhousestyle home has been constructed and appointed.

It features a private master retreat and secluded secondary bedrooms. The great room consists of an open kitchen with a vaulted ceiling, casual dining and a family room with a fireplace. Double the size of the great room by opening the disappearing doors and creating a 16-foot-wide opening to the outdoor living area. This massive area faces southeast, which helps to stay in the afternoon shade and catch the prevailing breeze each day. To complete one of the finest outdoor living spaces in Cordillera Ranch, you can take a few steps further down to the pool and hot tub overlooking the 17th fairway and green.

73 Winged Foot: Authentic Custom Homes is known for classic architecture with cuttingedge styling. You’ll discover the latest transitional style with a courtyard arbor entry that flows into an entertainer’s dream floor plan. It features a large living area with a soaring beamed ceiling, a fireplace, custom treatments and a beautiful dining area with a wine showcase. The kitchen is a chef’s dream with a gas cooktop and custom cabinets that adjoin the living and dining areas. The inside luxury flows to outdoor living and dining for the ultimate experience in golf course living overlooking a stunning infinity-edge pool, Hole No. 6 with a lake and the beautiful Hill Country beyond.

69 Augusta: This four-bedroom, four-anda-half-bath, transitional contemporary home overlooks the 15th hole of the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course – it also has an extraordinary view of the Twin Sisters horizon. The builder is Great Homes by Robert Thornton, and the home features reclaimed long-leaf pine truss beams, cabinetry, designer appliances, stained concrete floors and formed stainless countertops. You’ll especially enjoy the oversized formal dining for entertaining and the detached cabana and awesome views.

445 AUGUSTA

25 AUGUSTA

25 Augusta: This sprawling, 7,300-square-foot home has incredible views overlooking Hole No. 15 of the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. It’s a one-of-a-kind home that includes a sparkling swimming pool with hot tub, a private putting green, an elevator, a large game room, water features and a state-of-the-art home electronics system.

After touring these beautiful homes, we visited with a couple of the preferred builders and asked for their take on Cordillera Ranch and the Boerne real estate market overall.

“We are continuing to see an increase in building in Cordillera Ranch, with a lot of clients requesting single-story floor plans. We have always enjoyed building homes at Cordillera Ranch. There are few other neighborhoods that offer the luxury amenities they do with so many different lot options. You can be on the golf course, a hill top or the river. The building possibilities are limitless.” – Talashia K. JansenSeargeant, director of sales and marketing for Stadler Homes

“The Cordillera market is largely fueled by relocating Houstonians, many of whom have ties to the oil and gas industry. Boerne is strong because of the caliber of the schools, the lack of crime and the general quality of life. Whenever I run into somebody from out of town and mention I live in Boerne, I always get the ‘Oh, I love Boerne!’ response.” – Damon Christofilis with Burdick & Christofilis Custom Homes

Discussing the housing market in general, Jansen-Seargeant said, “The market is extremely hot in Boerne, and Cordillera Ranch is particularly benefiting from this boom. House prices are appreciating, and lots and homes are typically moving quickly when priced appropriately.”

We also asked about recent trends in the building world. Christofilis is seeing a trend toward an Italian farmhouse style with lots of walnut trim and timber work, hammered copper sinks and tubs, tile roofs, home automation systems, big patios, courtyards, great rooms and open spaces, with the kitchen and family room in one, unbroken space.

Jansen-Seargeant added, “One of the

largest trends we’ve seen is the switch to requesting single-story residences over the grandeur of a two-story home. People want luxury and practicality combined, and they want to be able to focus on the things in life that bring them joy. This means that the typical items that would cause their ‘chore’ list to increase are often not sought after nearly as much as maintenance-free items. We’ve also had a lot of requests for finish-outs that reflect design trends you would often see in Colorado focusing on darker stone colors and large distressed beams and trusses throughout the house.”

When asked about building prices, Jansen-Seargeant explained that, “Unfortunately, as business increases and we experience a rise in people wanting to build, so do costs. We recommend that if you are considering building, you do so now in order to avoid price increases if that is an important item for you.”

When asked why “now” is the time to build, she replied, “The better question is, ‘Why isn’t now the time to build?’ We [at Stadler] strongly believe, as a family-oriented company, that no matter what environmental issues may prompt you to build now or later, the decision should be one that makes the best sense for your family and is one that you are completely comfortable with. Being pressured into making a decision to build when you are unprepared or unsure can lead to additional stress and make the entire process an unenjoyable one.

“Our goal is for the building experience to be as fun as possible, and that can make all the difference. Remember: You are, in essence, marrying yourself to a builder for months or longer. No one wants to talk about getting a divorce after the first month.”

If you’re looking for wide-open spaces, views, one of the top Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses in the country, tennis, spas and fitness, multiple pools, sporting clays, equestrian offerings, Guadalupe River frontage and the most luxurious lifestyle in the San Antonio area, think Cordillera Ranch. Life is better out here. ■

For more information on Cordillera Ranch, visit www.cordilleraranch.com.

MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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// CUSTOM HOMES //

Who Ya Gonna Call?

YOU’VE JUST MOVED INTO A NEW HOUSE. NHOME WOULD

QUALITY HOUSEHOLD SERVICE PROVIDER YOU NEED FROM POOL MAINTENANCE TO LANDSCAPING SERVICES. // BY: KIM YOUNG

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/ NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

WHETHER YOU’RE NEW IN TOWN OR A LONG-TIME RESIDENT, A QUALITY REFERRAL IS INVALUABLE.

OOCOSKUN/BIGSTOCK.COM

LIKE TO PROVIDE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR EVERY

M

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oving to a new city can be both exciting and intimidating. Not everyone likes change, and finding quality household service providers is just one more thing you probably don’t want to deal with. Our goal is to put names and numbers at your fingertips. Whether you’re new in town or a long-time resident, a quality referral is invaluable.

You’ve just been handed the keys to your new home. What now? With any luck, your realtor has provided you with the names and numbers of all of the utility companies you’ll need to call if you haven’t already.

It’s also probable that the seller or landlord had your new home professionally cleaned before you moved in – but after you’ve had movers traipsing through every room in the house and you’ve unpack all those boxes, a good cleaning will get you

started off on the right foot. Who ya gonna call?

Depending on the time of year you move into your new home, the yard could be a winter mess – or maybe it’s summer and you can’t live without a sprinkler system.

Amidst all of the unpacking, the men in the house don’t have time to hit the yard. Who ya gonna call?

You might as well count on the fact that between the sellers moving out and you getting the keys, the swimming pool is going to need some attention. You’ve just moved in and don’t have time to go buy the chemicals to make sure everything is hunky-dory before your little darlings jump in. Who ya gonna call?

You’ve had a long day moving into your

MAID AFFORDABLE You’ll find that they’re professional, friendly, fully bonded and insured. www.maidaffordable.com 210-372-9970

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new home. The kids are tired and grumpy, you’re exhausted and everyone is ready to hit the sack – then you realize there aren’t any window coverings on the bedroom windows. Who ya gonna call?

If you wake up the next morning and the water heater goes out before anyone can get a shower, you’re gonna call the home service company that was probably paid by the seller at closing to provide a warranty for just such occurrences. But in the future, if you decide a little updating or remodeling is in order, who ya gonna call?

Since NHOME magazine has become your favorite for providing valuable information, you, like me, can’t wait to pick up the latest issue at your local newsstand.

Our goal is to provide our readers with quality home product and service provid-

SAN ANTONIO NEIGHBORHOOD POOL SERVICE They offer swimming pool service with a competitive rate and a service guarantee. www.poolservicesanantonio.com 210-591-8600

OVER THE TOP WINDOW FASHIONS This is your window fashion warehouse for inside window coverings and outdoor shading systems. www.overthetopwindowfashions.com 210-800-9073

ALAMO CITY MAINTENANCE & REMODELING They offer everything from complete renovations to mini makeovers. www.acmsanantonio.com 210-494-2852

ers. If you’ve discovered a diamond in the rough that we’ve overlooked, we’d love to hear about who you’re gonna call. ■

If you need real estate assistance to buy or sell, please call one of the top producers you’ll find among our pages or contact Kim Young at kimyoungrealtor@gmail. com.

MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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MILE HIGH YARDWORKS Design • Maintenance • Irrigation • Sprinkler

830.626.3455

MileHighYardworks.com Please like our Facebook page “Mile High Yard Works” for exclusive deals and updates.

MILE HIGH YARD WORKS is your home for South Texas Lawn Care. It is our goal to provide you with the best selection of plants, fertilizers, and emergent that you will need to keep your yard in the best condition. The following tips for preparing your yard and garden for spring will give you an outdoor living environment that you will enjoy all summer. » Make sure all your lawn equipment is ready for summer activities.

» Top dress your lawn with manure compost.

» Check your irrigation system. Mile High Yard Works will run a full analysis on your irrigation system.

» For a greener, fuller lawn, apply a good fertilizer for your type of sod. Ask an expert at Schulz Nursery Marion to get you familiar with the perfect fertilizer for your yard.

» Use a pre-emergent to keep summer weeds at bay. We recommend the following products Amaze and XL, available at Schulz Nursery Marion.

» Plant your plants before it starts to get too warm. Remember the warmer

it is the more water your new plants will need. » Thinking about saving water? Mile High Yard Works can install an automatic drip irrigation system for your entire property.

Drip irrigation is allowed through stages 1, 2, and 3 of watering restrictions in most municipalities. Keep your yard and landscape alive and beautiful this summer with drip irrigation.

During the month of May all trees, shrubs and perennials are

25% OFF

100 West Huebinger // Marion, Texas 78124

830.914.2384

Schulz Nursery Marion has been a local treasure since 1958. Great plants and great costumer service is the cornerstone of our organization. We have fresh rose plants are arriving February thru April. There are over 500 plants to choose from and numerous varieties of Modern and Antique roses.

Schulz Nursery Marion is also offering a wide variety of vegetable plants including numerous varieties of tomatoes, beans, squash, onions, broccoli, jalapenos, bell peppers, and more. Stop by the vegetable house to start your spring garden. Stop by the vegetable green houses to see what’s growing.

GIFT SHOP SALE

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up to select items and in store specials during the month of May

38

Please like our Facebook page “Schulz Nursery in Marion” for exclusive deals and updates.

/ NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

“Experience Living - Outdoors.”

We are located off the Southbound Frontage Rd. Btwn Bitters & Nakoma

SUMMER is here!

Time for grilling, lounging and overall enjoyment of your outdoor escape!

All grills we carry are made in the USA and of the highest quality.

The Smoker by Primo is available & ready for you to take home today!

Come by our showroom & check out all we have to offer!

210-276-0734

www.cozyoutdoorescapes.com MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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// outdoor living //

Control Yourself … and Your Home

HOW TO EXTEND YOUR HOME AUTOMATION TO YOUR OUTDOOR SPACES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART, YET SIMPLE-TO-USE, TECHNOLOGY

T

he summer months are approaching, and it is a great time to extend your home automation to your outdoor spaces. Imagine relaxing on your patio as you watch your favorite TV show or listen to your favorite music. The smell of barbecue filters through the air; the sound of a water fountain trickles in the background; and as dusk falls, garden accent lights slowly brighten, providing a warm glow to the yard. Nowadays, it’s becoming easier and more affordable to install home automated networks that can con-

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trol anything and everything around your home.

Enhancing lifestyles with state-of-the-art, yet simple-to-use, outdoor technology that is naturally and seamlessly integrated into your own personal settings is quite easy these days. You can turn your backyard into a live concert using brands such as Sonos, Sonance and Crown.

These audio systems can be built to suit and are easy to learn.

You can even create multiple “zones” for different volumes or music styles throughout the backyard with a 70-volt Sonance system.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SONANCE AND SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

// BY: CHRIS GREER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SONANCE AND SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Imagine having a group of people sitting in the pool and enjoying a different playlist from the people you have sitting on the patio. If it’s a movie you want to watch while sitting outside, that’s no problem, either.

With the flip of a switch from your smart phone, you can stop the music and have the television audio come to life throughout the yard, making your home the favorite hangout for all friends and family.

If landscape lighting is what you’re interested in, Crestron and Savant specialize in lighting control and automation.

Programmable lighting environments can be installed in any home, making the outdoors as comfortable as the indoors. With a tablet or smart phone, you can do all of the things you have to do without sacrificing the things you want to do.

You can automate your landscape and accent lights by using scenes and timers (again, into multiple zones if you want), and your outdoor display can be programmed to turn on or off or to increase in intensity at different times (such as when darkness falls). Sitting or entertaining outside while controlling specific lights or fans on your patio is no problem, either.

Other things such as water fountains,

cascading waterfalls, fire features, mosquito-repelling systems, misting fans and even your swimming pool can be controlled.

Just about everything in today’s home that requires electrical current to operate can be automated or controlled.

Remotes don’t necessarily have to be limited to your personal smart phone, either. Perhaps keeping a tablet permanently docked on a convenient wall or table is best for you. If you have a swimming pool and entertain often around it, consider a

JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING IN TODAY’S HOME THAT REQUIRES ELECTRICAL CURRENT TO OPERATE

can be automated.

designated iPad mini in a LifeProof case.

This way, friends who are in the pool and want to play DJ at the party can do so without destroying your tablet with wet hands.

If you are interested in installing new home automation and automated audio or video, talk with a reputable designer or service provider. Local companies and stores such as Bjorn’s and John’s Landscaping work in collaboration to deliver total home automation and complete audio video, inside and out.

Be sure to discuss what you want now and what you think you might want in the future. Ask questions and be inquisitive when designing. It’s always better to plan ahead when it comes to anything technology-based. With endless options now, imagine what the future holds in store! ■

For more information, visit John’s Landscaping online at www.johnlandscaping. com.

MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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➻ Pergolas ➻ Pavilions ➻ Arbors ➻ Decks ➻ Outdoor Kitchens ➻ Patio Covers

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A Sanchez Pool custom design can provide whatever you can dream up, with superior quality, integrity and unrivaled safety features. We can also build you a beautiful backyard Patio Cabana.

Sanchez Pools is licensed, insured and bonded. Sanchez Pools is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, and a Hayward select pool builder.

John’s Landscaping

Quality Innovation / Custom Design

Commercial / Residential / Landscape Lighting Flagstone & Masonry / Sprinkler Systems Lic 3715 4187 Stahl Rd. • San Antonio, TX 78217 • 210.320.2722

J O H N L A N D S C A P I N G . C O M MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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Opens for Ventilation or Sun • Closes for Shade or Rain

Opens to let the light in, or closed to keep summer sun and rain out. The roofing system can be positioned by remote control to any angle.

Structures can be free standing or attached to your home and are ideal for courtyards, entry ways, outdoor kitchens, patio and spa areas.

Make sure to follow us on:

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For a FREE ESTIMATE Please Call 210.548.3015

Liz Blue Braden 210.219.5324

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Gorgeous 1.35 acre lot at the prestigious Ridge at Mountain Springs Ranch.

Build your beautiful and private custom home here. 20 minutes to Stone Oak shopping. 10 minutes to Canyon Lake. 1 mile from Smithson Valley HS. All Spring Branch Schools.

Close to new HEB Plus on Hwy 46. 3 neighborhood pools; backs up to 85 acre nature preserve w/ walking/jogging trails.

Quiet, private gated street. 1 mile from Smithson Valley HS; Comal ISD. Very peaceful and other great homes in this tranquil subdivision.

A home with its own resort For a private tour call: Liz Blue Braden

210.219.5324 39 DEVON WOOD / THE DOMINION

Relax in your personal spa For a private tour call: Liz Blue Braden

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47

// functional design //

Empire State of Design DEBORAH MAIN, PILLOW GODDESS,

CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF PROVIDING STRIKING, HIGH-QUALITY DESIGNS.

// BY: CHLOE SCHELLER

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/ NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

WHEN DEBORAH MAIN, notable Austin-based designer and blogger, arrived in New York City, she was ready for the design trip of a lifetime. BlogTour NYC 2014 entailed a three-day adventure viewing the Architectural Digest Home Design Show, attending design workshops and meeting prominent international brands and designers. From the charm of the cozy Peasant restaurant to the beautiful details of a luxury DXV tub, inspiration was all around her in the Big Apple.

Before we launch into her New York escapade, let’s start where the story really begins.

While perusing boutiques and linen stores, Main developed a love for luxury fabrics and vintage textiles. However, like all winning ideas, her “aha” moment came to her by accident. One day, while at a local fabric store, Main started putting together a little French trim here and

PHOTO BY MAUREEN COATES AT MODECOR

BlogTourNYC 2014 Designers Group

PHOTOS BY DEBORAH MAIN

a strand of ribbon there. Within an hour, she had designed her very first pillow and her business was born.

With the pillow form as her canvas and fashion and nature as her inspiration, Main’s signature style draws upon color and texture to create beautiful, one-of-akind luxury designs. She has won the Austin Fashion Week Best Home Accessories designer award for three years running, and she celebrates 2014 with excitement, as it marks her business’ 10-year anniversary.

To Main, luxury brands focus on providing striking, high-quality designs with a customer experience that surpasses all others. Main’s pillow line is sought-after by clients for its handcrafted quality and unparalleled offering of fabric and design options that no other brand provides. Her distinctive pillows, made from textiles such as a 1950s cocktail dress or a vintage silk scarf, each have their own treasured story and timeless mystery. The intricate details of Main’s designs redefine the accent pillow from a simple home accessory to a room’s featured focal point.

Main, an influencer in the home industry, keeps a close eye on fashion color trends, as they usually make their way into the home a year later. She is also actively engaged in social media and partakes in the #IntDesignChat and #DesignLux weekly Twitter chats.

As the blogger behind PillowGoddess. com, Main was one of 12 North American bloggers to be selected to participate in BlogTour NYC 2014 this past March. In the past, BlogTour has taken place in London, Cologne, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. BlogTour is recognized for cultivating a community of design bloggers and creating meaningful relationships (both on- and offline) with brands and trade show partners.

BlogTour NYC was presented by international online design resource, Modenus, and sponsored by Miele, Blanco, Prizer Hoods, Rutt Cabinetry and DXV. Main and the designers were selected for the tour based on their originality, frequency, social media engagement and influence in the design community.

On the tour, Main was inspired by handcrafted designs in MADE and the gorgeous tables at Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids (DIFFA). She also met

Deborah Main with Kim Lewis at the Prizer booth

MAIN’S SIGNATURE STYLE DRAWS UPON COLOR AND TEXTURE TO CREATE BEAUTIFUL, ONE-OF-A-KIND LUXURY DESIGNS.

Sideboard in sleek wood furniture collection by Paul J. Draine

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Deborah Main’s Design Finds at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show: 1. Textural lighting: Honeycomb sculptural lighting by Patrick Weder Design (www.patrickweder.com) 2. Colorful rugs: Rainbow Runner rug by Sonya Winner Studio (www.sonyawinner.com) 3. Handcrafted wood furniture: Sideboard by Paul J. Draine (www.pjdwoodworks.com) 4. Customizable Prizer hoods: A huge range of colors and finishes by Prizer Hoods (www.prizerhoods.com) 5. DIFFA tables: Table top by Fendi Casa & Luxe Interiors & Design; designed by Philip Gorrivan (www.diffa.org)

Honeycomb Sculptural lighting by Patrick Weder Design

Rainbow Runner rug by Sonya Winner Studio

and learned from several well-known, talented professionals:

Fendi Casa table at DIFFA designed by Philip Gorrivan and sponsored by Luxe Interiors & Design

The bloggers continue to actively share their favorite design finds, inspirations and brand reviews online.

Main’s luxury pillow line is carried at deborahmaindesigns.com and in stores in Texas, Florida and New Jersey. With new inspirations and connections from her trip, Main is excited to bring a renewed energy and broader perspective to the next chapter of her thriving design studio. While she won’t reveal what is up her sleeve, she has admitted that there are a few surprises to expect before the year is over. ■

To see more design finds, brand reviews and styling tips from Deborah Main and her trip to BlogTourNYC, visit her blog at www.pillowgoddess.com. And to learn more about Chloe Scheller, follow her on Twitter (@ChloeScheller) or view her personal blog at www.brandingchloe.com.

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PHOTOS BY DEBORAH MAIN

- Floral designer Tess Casey - Interior designer Bunny Williams - Lifestyle store proprietor Michele Varian - Stylist Raina Kattelson - Photographers Michele Scotto Trani and Will and Susan Brinson - Architect Neal Beckstedt - McGuire Furniture Creative Director Jim Caughman

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// functional design //

Dream Doors

COLONIAL IRON DOORS CONTINUES TO PROVIDE BOTH THE BEST-QUALITY HANDMADE DOORS AND THE BEST-QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE AFTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS. // BY: KIM YOUNG

F

“WE’RE NOT LIMITED TO ANY STYLE. WE CAN MAKE ANY IDEA INTO REALITY.”

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irst impressions are lasting impressions, and there’s no better place to start than your front door. Wrought-iron doors have an immediate visual impact on your home, and any facade can be beautifully enhanced to complement your home design.

Colonial Iron Doors President and Owner Rafael A. Sandoval has applied his family’s 30 years of wrought-iron experience to create the most customer-friendly wrought-iron door company in the region, providing customers the highest degree of quality and total customer satisfaction.

“Everything is based on our clients’ needs,” he said. “We are all about customer service; we have the best customer service, and we take pride on that. We treat the client’s door as if it was our own.”

Since he started in 2008, Sandoval has used his passion and eye for quality in every detail to add the perfect finishing touch to your dream home. “Every product we manufacture is hand-forged by our experienced blacksmiths, then is analyzed and evaluated by our team of skilled artisans to ensure our customers nothing less than excellence in all our artwork,” he said.

“The advantage of being a family-operated business is that we know exactly the type of product we put on the customer’s hands. We take a lot of pride in the doors we manufacture, and that gives us the ability to back up every aspect and detail about them.”

“We have a lot of inventory for people to look at and choose from,” explained Marcela Resendez, marketing manager and product specialist. “We have door styles that go with rustic, craftsman, modern or contemporary, Mediterranean, Tuscan or Texas Hill Country homes.”

According to John and Jan Warrilow, satisfied customers, “We needed a very difficult design door; we were looking for a design that reflected the eclectic and modern design of the interior of our house, yet merged with its exterior shape. Marcela came up with a design and color that suited our tastes and worked beyond what we expected to give us the look we wanted.”

You’ll find Colonial Iron Doors in a brand-new showroom with a design center integrated where you can choose your own color finish and glass and hardware for your door. They have a CAD drawing professional who will bring your idea to life from a simple sketch. They pride themselves on the design knowledge of their experienced staff, who always provide the best recommendations and design tips that will be more apt to the architecture of your home.

“We’re not limited to any style,” Sandoval explained. “We can transform any idea into reality.” The love of creation that goes into each door at Colonial Iron Doors is obvious from his enthusiasm: “Our handmade doors are a work of art, created one at a time by skilled blacksmiths using time-

honored-tradition forging techniques.”

Colonial Iron Doors also offers wrought-iron railings, balconies and ornamental iron fencing to coordinate with your door.

Sandoval is proud of his staff. “We are a team of energetic people,” he said. “We live and breathe wrought-iron doors. We are passionate about what we do. One thing we all have in common is that we care about the people we work with. We have excellent work ethic.”

“With every handmade detail, every bend and every scroll,” Sandoval added, “our craftsmen portray our traditional way of handling wrought

iron. Combining their excellence in craftsmanship and respect for the work they do, Colonial Iron Doors guarantees a quality iron product that will make a perfect lasting impression.” ■

If you’re ready to transform your home entry ideas into reality with the creation of your dream door, call Colonial Iron Doors at 210524-1062 or stop by the showroom at 12133 Colwick St. (at the corner of Nakoma) in San Antonio, Texas.

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// green //

Diamonds: An Area Homebuyer’s Best Friend THE OWNERS OF DIAMANTE CUSTOM HOMES AND DOUBLE DIAMOND CUSTOM HOMES TALK LUXURY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY WITH INSULATED CONCRETE FORMS. // BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK

DOUBLE DIAMOND CUSTOM HOMES/EXTERIOR MS Architects of San Antonio designed this 4,034-square-foot, single-story home constructed with ICF blocks by Double Diamond Custom Homes in Garden Ridge. The rock and stucco exterior features a dramatic rotunda with a kids’ retreat, a game/media room and a great room, which offer getaways for every member of the family. Super energy-efficient monthly utility bills average $110.

C

oncrete stability combines with insulation/soundproofing properties innate to ICF (insulated concrete form) construction, which was first developed in Europe following World War II as an inexpensive and

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durable way to rebuild damaged structures.

The technique came to the United States in 1966 and has gone through various stages of popularity.

The system creates a structural concretefilled foam block wall that is up to 10 times

stronger than wood-framed structures and resists rot, wind (hurricanes, tornados, etc.) and water penetration. Added features include reduced energy costs, soundproofing, four- to six-hour fire retardation, improved indoor air quality and humidity level regulation. ICFs also mitigate mold growth and eliminate termite and other critter infestations.

ICF construction generally runs 3 to 5 percent above conventional building costs, but it reduces labor costs by about 40 percent because it combines multiple steps into one. Two prominent builders bordering opposite ends of San Antonio have built luxury ICF homes: Diamante Custom Homes to the west and Double Diamond Custom Homes to the east.

Double Diamond Custom Homes Owner Todd Williams jokes that his friend, Adam Sanchez, owner of Diamante Custom Homes, is “my Mexican brother,” since the two of them share the same name, but in a different language.

They share experience in building ICF homes, which requires some alterations in labor force, but usually takes less time to finish out. Both are custom homebuilders who can produce “whatever the customer wants,” which, in some cases, is an ICF structure.

DIAMANTE CUSTOM HOMES/FRONT VIEW This luxurious, 9,770-square-foot ICF home was built at The Dominion by Diamante Custom Homes atop a sharp hillside, causing the top level to become the first-floor entry at the front and the second level from the back with a pool, a spa and magnificent Hill Country views.

Diamante Custom Homes

Diamante’s million-dollar-plus, 9,790-squarefoot ICF home sits on a one-and-a-half-acre site atop a steep hill in The Dominion overlooking the lush Hill Country landscape.

“The buyer was familiar with the energy/safety advantages of the ICF system and requested our designer to come up with a contemporary home on two levels with five bedrooms, fiveand-a-half baths and a six-car garage,” Sanchez says. “Then they changed their mind and added 1,800 square feet more to the original plan, which became six bedrooms, six-and-a-half baths and an eight-car garage. Interestingly, the top level from the front became the lower level in back because of the severe slope. It was a real design challenge.”

According to Sanchez, the system allowed more flexibility, taller walls and greatly reduced energy bills. “We offer a wide range of green products as owner options – gas or propane heating, forced air cooling system and extensive insulation as a part of our standard energyefficient package,” he says. “However, because of the ICF insulating values, we only needed to insulate the roof deck in the ICF home.”

Sanchez is currently a member of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, and he is the

DIAMANTE CUSTOM HOMES/INTERIOR Wall-to-wall windows in the Diamante home open to a panoramic Hill Country view.

The six-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bath ICF home has an eight-car garage. In addition to the many upscale amenities, the home’s utility bills are amazing because of the ICFadded insulation vaules.

ICFS MITIGATE MOLD GROWTH AND ELIMINATE TERMITE AND OTHER CRITTER INFESTATIONS. MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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cofounder of the Texas Custom Builders Guild.

Homes by Diamante Custom Homes are priced from the $400s to over $4 million.

To learn more about Diamante Custom Homes, call 210-341-6430 or visit www.diamantehomes.com or www.facebook.com.diamantecustomhomes.

Double Diamond Custom Homes and Remodeling

ICF CONSTRUCTION Foam blocks fitted with steel spacers are filled with cement, adding strength to the foam insulation properties of the system. Double Diamond has built seven ICF homes in the Canyon Lake/Hill Country area since 2007.

DOUBLE DIAMOND CUSTOM HOMES/INTERIOR A decorative chandelier highlights the raised ceiling, arched doors and art niches made possible because of the rotunda. The home is extremely quiet because of the ICF 50-R rated factor, so the family is not disturbed by outdoor noise.

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Williams built his first ICF home in Garden Ridge at the buyers’ request. The 4,034-squarefoot, single-story, four-bedroom, four-bath home with a three-car side garage was constructed of 11-inch-thick ICF exterior with up to R-50 value.

Radiant-barrier roof decking and a 240-gauge standing seam metal roof added more energyefficient features. Two 15 SEER Puron Carrier air condition systems, gas furnaces, digital thermostats, low E2 vinyl double-paned windows and a tankless water heater complete the home’s green features.

Designed by MS Architects of San Antonio, the rock and stucco exterior home features a dramatic rotunda that adds dimension and character to the hallway. A kids’ retreat, a game/media room and a great room offer getaways for every member of the family. But according to the owner, the ICF construction is the best part. Priced at $145 per square foot, the home totaled just over half a million dollars.

“The house is extremely quiet,” the owner says.

“The construction with the R (50) factor is phenomenal. We average around $110 per month on the electric bill. Even in the coldest winter month this year, the bill was $143.”

Since 2007, Williams has built seven ICF homes, including a 3,630-square-foot, split-level Canyon Lake home featuring a great entrance leading into the rotunda, which was built in 2010. “The owners are enthusiastic over the benefits of ICF building,” Williams says. He quotes the owners: “Many times in winter, we only turn on the fireplace to heat the entire house. Comparing with some of our neighbors who have smaller conventional homes, our bills are typically $125 to $150 less per month.

The ICF house is really quiet and really insulates us from any road noise. We have truly enjoyed it.”

Williams is a graduate master builder and a member of the San Antonio Builders Association, the Texas Association of Builders, the National Association of Home Builders and the Build San Antonio Green program. For more information on Double Diamond Custom Homes, visit www. doublediamondcustomhomes.com or call 210493-5800. ■

BEAUTY AND COMFORT go hand in hand with this 4,100+ SF custom home on just over 7 acre estate with huge trees, fenced and with a limestone entrance and decorative security entry gate. Amenities include a basement used as wine cellar, beautiful wood floors, outdoor living space and for the car buff, a shop that can store your collection of 10 or possibly more. And only minutes to town! $1,450,000

LOCATION AND STYLE MAKE THIS ONE INTERESTING! Only a little over a mile from town, this 10+ acre tract with 3,900+ SF home would be an ideal location for a winery and virtually guarantee that you would be the first one on the trail. This property is rich with amenities such as aerated pond, heated pool with cabana, 3 RV hookups, man cave, backup generator and more. $939,000

THE LOOK, THE STYLE, THE FINISH that is Hill Country at its best is here in the 3412 SF custom home on 3.81 acre, beautiful treed setting, patio overlooking distant hills, high end interior details abound in the 4/3.5 and only 4 miles to downtown. $795,000

THE ONE YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR, the one with almost 360 degree views, with the kitchen you could hold cooking classes in, with the master suite that also has an outdoor shower, with the heated pool, with limestone exterior with standing seam roof, with 22 acres of land and located between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, today it can be yours, tomorrow may be too late. $1,225,000

116 E. Austin | Fredericksburg, TXÂ 78624 Office: 830-990-8708 | Cell: 830-456-6327 | Fax:Â 830-990-8906 www.remax-fbgtx.com

Dennis Kusenberger GRI, CRS, Broker/Owner RE/MAX Town & Country | dennisk@kusey.com Each office independently owned and operated.

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Realtor profile

Getting the word out DENNIS KUSENBERGER: FREDERICKSBURG’S FIRST-CLASS HOME FINDER // BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK // PHOTOGRAPHY: JASON ROBERTS

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“ONCE VISITORS EXPERIENCE THE CALIFORNIA VINEYARD-LIKE ATMOSPHERE, THEY WANT TO BECOME PART OF IT. THAT’S WHERE I COME IN.”

what Fredericksburg had to offer,” he says.

“I think I always wanted to get the word out to newcomers and expose them to the lifestyle and beauty of the area.”

After four years at Texas Tech, Kusenberger returned to Fredericksburg and spent 20 years as a commercial general contractor. His company worked on a multitude of projects, including strip centers, post offices, banks and warehouses.

“In 1997, I was invited by a friend to acquire my real estate license with the intention of doing this part-time, but was very quick to realize this is not a part-time venture,” he says. “In the fall of 1999, the opportunity was made available to purchase an existing office and acquire my broker’s license. And the RE/MAX franchise was added in December of 1999 – an addition that has worked out well, as in 2013, I was named the fifth top-producing individual RE/MAX agent in Texas.”

So what attracts people to the Fredericksburg area and entices them to stay?

Kusenberger weighs in:

G

rowing up and working on a farm on the banks of the Pedernales River just outside Fredericksburg, Dennis Kusenberger has had a lifelong love affair with the city and its surroundings, and he has always wanted to share his fixation.

“I grew up working in a farming and ranching family and learned to appreciate

I found folks in nearby larger cities were tiring of traffic congestion, crime and lack of breathing space.

They wanted an oasis that could offer them peace and comfort with lots of land and an upscale home in the near million dollar-plus category with all the amenities of their dreams, and that’s what we specialize in.

People are looking for luxury, quality and privacy, so I find them places that offer that, mostly on the borders

of Fredericksburg since there’s not much open land available in town.

They want acreage and ranchettes with a large comfortable home and lots of amenities, including a pool and outdoor entertainment area.

Tourism is the lifeblood of the city, and it has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years, especially with the expanding wine industry. And once they see the Fredericksburg laidback lifestyle similar to California’s Napa Valley, they want to be a part of it.

Bob Oberhelman opened the first winery in the Willow City area just north of Fredericksburg years ago. The townspeople thought he was crazy, but it was the beginning of something big: the Hill Country Wine Trail. There are now around 30 wineries in the area; most of them are on 290 between Fredericksburg and the Stonewall area.

This surge has attracted tourists from everywhere. And the German tradition and influence has been important to the city’s growth. Once visitors experience the California vineyard-like atmosphere, they want to become a part of it. That’s where I come in. I have some fantastic listings and look forward to matching them to newcomers. ■

For more information, visit www.remaxfbgtx.com.

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// real estate //

ULTRA-LUXURY IN SAN ANTONIO The first quarter of 2014 saw impressive sales for homes over $1 million in the Alamo City area. Here’s a look at what we can expect in the second quarter and why.

T

here is no denying that San Antonio’s real estate market is very strong. We are seeing homes sell fast, and we are seeing sales prices increasing. In fact, one notably strong sector of the market is San Antonio’s luxury home market. In San Antonio, the “luxury” market is typically thought to start somewhere between $500,000 and $600,000, and it goes up from there. Compared to many of the nation’s big cities, as well as other cities such as San Francisco and Austin, San Antonio’s luxury home market is fairly affordable. Let’s take it a step further – let’s take a look at San Antonio’s ultra-luxury market.

During the first quarter of 2014, 18 properties closed in the San Antonio area over $1 million, with the highest coming in just over $3 million. As of mid-April, there was nearly the same amount of home sales pending. So it appears that second-quarter sales will be even

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CKC CUSTOM HOMES

// BY: PATRICIA ZARS

higher, which is expected in the spring and summer months. So what do you get for a million dollars or more in San Antonio?

Well, let’s take a look at some of the features found in the homes that sold for over $1 million in the first quarter of 2014 in and around San Antonio.

Pretty much all of the homes that sold for more than $1 million have luxurious outdoor living spaces. With the exception of only a few homes, each of them had an impressive swimming pool. Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs and other water features helped create backyard oases that obviously helped get these homes sold.

Think you will definitely get a big piece of land if you spend $1 million? Well … it is definitely possible. Many of the homes sprawled out nicely on multi-acreage home sites – one is nearly 23 acres! Some overlook golf courses, and some offer

breathtaking views of the Texas Hill Country.

However, several of the homes that sold with these high-ticket price tags were on half an acre or less. In fact, there were also several properties in addition to these that had no land at all!

That’s right: San Antonio’s ultra-high-end condo market is booming, as well. Opulent high-rise condos offer fulltime residents, as well as second-homers, expansive views of the San Antonio skyline and the famous Riverwalk, while providing a more urban, walk-able lifestyle.

So what does $1 million-plus get you in San Antonio? Pretty much anything you want! ■

For more information, contact Zars & Rogers REALTORS at info@zarsandrogers.com.

TOM CARR, DENVER ARCHITECT, DESIGNED THIS COMPOUND-STYLE CONTEMPORARY HOME ON 22-PLUS ACRES. MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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Pinnacle

Denise Graves Winner of the 2014

Award

Number One Top-Selling real estate professional at Phyllis Browning Company with sales production of more than $42 million in 2013

“We’ve been mastering the fine art of luxury real estate marketing since 1994, specializing in fine properties in the Hill Country. We’re backed by the experience and knowledge of Phyllis Browning Company – the most trusted name in South Texas luxury real estate for 25 years – and we look forward to helping you with all your real estate needs.”

– Denise and Bill Graves

The Graves Group The art of fine residential real estate

Graves, Realtor®, CLMS, CRS, ABR, GRI I Office: 830-331-9898 I Cell: 210-260-2176 I www.thegravesgroup.com 6 2Denise / NHOME MAY//JUNE 2014

Take Ownership of Your Active Lifestyle…

Affordable, Unique & Sophisticated Retirement Living in San Antonio

Follow us on 1 Towers Park Ln

San Antonio, TX 78209 I n d e p e n d e n t

The convenience of city living and the quiet charm of a resort lifestyle flow together at The Towers on Park Lane. Conveniently located near Alamo Heights, Ft. Sam Houston and downtown San Antonio.

The Towers is surrounded by fine dining, The Quarry shopping center, and is the prime location for an active lifestyle. The Towers caters to both civilian and military individuals age 50 and over.

R e t i re m e n t

L i v i n g

As a cooperative, The Towers provides the advantages of HOME OWNERSHIP in an upscale senior residential community that is sophisticated, yet affordable, with floor plans ranging from one to three bedrooms.

SERVICES & AMENITIES ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Maintenance-free living Weekly Housekeeping Scheduled Transportation Parking, Valet, & Shuttle Services 24-hour Surveillance of Property and Grounds

✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤ ✤

Penthouse Club Overlooking Downtown San Antonio 4.5 Acre Park with Walking Paths and Garden Beds Heated Indoor Swimming Pool & Whirlpool Wellness Center with Weekly Classes Restaurant-Style Dining Room & Casual Deli Daily Resident Activities & Clubs

Call us for questions and to schedule your private consultation.

Let our staff help you make your move to The Towers a smooth transition.

210-822-8722 ✤ www.thetowerslife.com

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// industry insights //

VOICES

of the PROFESSIONALS

Best in Show

IF THE FEEDBACK FROM THE GSABA EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP SERVES AS ANY INDICATION, THE 2014 PARADE OF HOMES AT THE DOMINION IS SET TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS. The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) is excited about this year’s Parade of Homes in The Dominion. Everyone at GSABA is extremely busy making sure this showcase of new homes will be perfect for you and your family from June 21 to 29. The parade will feature the following 2014 luxury homebuilders:

CKC CUSTOM HOMES // UPTMORE CUSTOM HOMES // ADAM WILSON HOMES // GENESIS CUSTOM HOMES In addition to the four luxury custom homebuilders, you will be treated to the best in home innovations, including landscaping and more as you visit the dozens of exhibitors and over 40 venders of products and services in the home product tent.

We tracked down a few members of the GSABA executive leadership and collected their thoughts on the 2014 Parade of Homes:

ABOUT GSABA The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) is a trade association that brings together professionals in the residential construction industry through networking events and continuing education opportunities. Led by its executive committee, the association focuses on bringing industry professionals up-to-date on industry policies and regulations, as well as government activities that concern the industry. For more information, visit www.sanantoniobuilders.net.

GEORGE McNAIR General Agent

McNAIR CUSTOM HOMES President, GSABA

“The Greater San Antonio Builders Association’s premier event each year is the Parade of Homes. The parade gives people a chance to walk through some of the finest custom homes in San Antonio’s most prestigious communities. Whether in the market for a new home, looking for ideas for a remodel or just a fun afternoon or evening event, the Parade of Homes is a must-see for everyone. This year’s event at The Dominion will surely surpass expectations.”

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FRANK SITTERLE JR. President

SITTERLE HOMES

First Vice President, GSABA “The Parade of Homes is organized annually by the Greater San Antonio Builders Association and will be at The Dominion this year. The parade is one of the largest in the state and should prove to be a great success with over 20,000 guests this year. The homes that will be built this year will be outstanding and are a wonderful way for the general public to see some of the top builders in the San Antonio market. Whether you are in the market for a new home or just want to have a great day looking at beautiful homes, the Parade of Homes is a must-see.”

STEVE LOUIS

2014 PARADE OF HOMES BUILDERS

President

BELLA VISTA HOMES

CHUCK POWELL

Vice President Treasurer, GSABA

MIKE HOLLAWAY President

MIKE HOLLAWAY CUSTOM HOMES Membership Chair, GSABA

“Being a past president of GSABA and a very active executive board member for many years, I can’t say enough about what the builders association has done to help make San Antonio one of the strongest new home markets in the country. Their dedication, hard work and the many events that promote new home sales in our city, like the Parade of Homes, only further their standing as an organization that supports our community, homeowners and the local economy. Having been a dedicated Parade of Homes builder for many years, I know how beneficial and satisfying it is to communicate with future homebuyers and visitors alike about what they’re looking for in a new home. If you haven’t been in the past, I highly encourage you and your family to visit GSABA’s biggest and most popular event of the year.”

President PHOTO BY ALEXANDER ALEMAN

“I have been a member of GSABA for six years. I served on the board of directors in 2012 and am currently serving my second year on the executive ladder as the vice president treasurer. As an actively involved member of GSABA, I find it very rewarding to be associated with such a diverse and influential group of members. The relationships built through my membership with GSABA have helped me grow both personally and professionally. The association has a strong history of bringing its members together by hosting monthly and annual networking events. The long list of events starts with monthly membership mixers, to bi-annual golf tournaments, to the most popular event hosted by GSABA, the annual Parade of Homes. The Parade of Homes this year is being held at the prestigious community, The Dominion. Whether you have never attended a parade or if you attend the parade every year, you won’t want to miss this one. The homes built by the builders in The Dominion are sure to leave you amazed.”

KRISTAL POWELL Interior Designer

CKC CUSTOM HOMES “GSABA is a great organization to be a part of: They bring the industry together.

They share knowledge that builders and associates may not be aware of. We have been a part of the association for the past nine years, and it has been a great benefit to our company. We love the team that is at GSABA, and they are always a phone call away. We are so excited about featuring one of our contemporary designs in the 2014 Parade of Homes at The Dominion. We are so grateful that we have been given the opportunity to showcase this home. The clients that purchased the home have been amazing through the whole process.”

JACK UPTMORE President

JIM LEONARD President

GREENBORO HOMES

Past President and Government Affairs Liaison, GSABA “The Parade of Homes is one of the most looked-forward-to events that the Greater San Antonio Builders Association holds each year. It gives the public the opportunity to view homes crafted by some of the best custom builders in San Antonio – and the nation, for that matter.

The fact that it will be held in The Dominion adds to the excitement. The average person does not generally have the chance to enter this very prestigious community. They will get tips and advice for building their own custom home, or how to remodel and freshen up their own home or even advice on where certain furnishings in the parade homes came from. There will be something for everyone who attends.”

SONJA GUTIERREZ

Assistant Executive Officer, GSABA “The Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) is a free trade association driven to provide opportunities for our members to network and promote their business. The association is the voice of the building industry; we work diligently with legislators to assist in keeping housing affordable. The Parade of Homes is a muchanticipated annual event hosted by the Greater San Antonio Builders Association. I’ve had the pleasure of coordinating this prestigious event for the last 14 of my 17 years at GSABA. My favorite part of the parade is witnessing the masterpieces emerge from the ground up. From my first site visit of bare land to the completion of these grandiose homes and seeing the parade street come to life is something I truly love. It is amazing to me the number of people it takes to make this event happen, from the homes to the volunteers to the vendors; it takes teamwork from everyone. I’m proud to be a part of this team and this event, and I welcome you to join us for another incredible Parade of Homes at The Dominion June 21st through the 29th.”

UPTMORE CUSTOM HOMES “For the 12th time, I am honored to be able to participate in GSABA’s feature presentation. I am honored to be able to build a home of this caliber and showcase the many members of the association that help create these beautiful homes at the Parade of Homes. It is an exciting and beneficial experience. These homes showcase many products and vendors’ workmanship that allows them to market themselves and create new business opportunities.”

ADAM WILSON President

ADAM WILSON HOMES “Our home is going to be totally different this year from anything that you’ve ever seen in the Parade of Homes. We wanted classic architecture on the exterior as if you were buying a house in the Alamo Heights area, but we wanted an updated, clean, lined interior. I think we have accomplished this with our parade home in The Dominion.”

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// arts & culture //

A WORLD OF

SENSORY OVERLOAD

“BEAUTY REIGNS: A BAROQUE SENSIBILITY IN RECENT PAINTING” AT THE MCNAY ENGAGES VIEWERS WITH BOTH THE WORLDLY AND THE MYSTERIOUS.

“BEAUTY REIGNS: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting” at the McNay Museum captures a post-graffiti sensibility mixing visual elements of design, illustration, graphics and artistic liberties and drawing the viewer into a world of sensory overload.

According to the McNay Museum’s press release, “‘Beauty Reigns’ features the work of 13 intergenerational emerging and mid-career abstract painters, working in studios across the United States. The exhibition is organized by René Paul Barilleaux, the McNay’s chief curator/curator of art after 1945, and celebrates the exoticism, exuberance and optimism found in the artists’ work. Among the shared characteristics found in this highly diverse group, in whole or part, are high-key color, layering of surface imagery, use of overall and repeated patterns, stylized motifs, fragmented representations and a tension between melancholy and the sublime.

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“The exhibition surveys works by artists with both national and international perspectives. Americans Annette Davidek, Nancy Lorenz and Ryan McGinness are based in New York. Charles Burwell lives and works in Pennsylvania; Paul Henry Ramirez in New Jersey;  RYAN Rex Ray in MCGINNESS, "THE California; RoTRUE KNOWLEDGE OF THINGS", 2007. salyn Schwartz Acrylic on canvas, in Illinois; and 96 × 96 in. Collection Susan Chrysler of The Museum White in Iowa. of Contemporary “Global visuArt San Diego, California. Courtesy al vocabularies of Ryan McGinness are expressed Studios, Inc./Art in works by Resource, NY. © Jose Alvarez Ryan McGinness/ (D.O.P.A), born Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York in Venezuela and based in Florida; Kamrooz Aram, Iran and New York; Jiha Moon, South Korea and Georgia; Fausto Fernandez, born in Texas, raised in Mexico and currently based in California; and Beatriz Milhazes, a Brazilian native who continues to live and work in her home country.” “‘Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting’ confirms a vitality of abstract painting today,” Barilleaux said.

“This exhibition requires that the viewer travel to and voyage through visual territory that seems somewhat foreign or somewhat familiar, yet always rewarding.”

“Only a Thief Thinks Everybody Steals,”

by McGinness, is the highlight of the museum presentation, summarizing the overall aesthetic of the exhibition and staying true to all organizational prose and manifested ideals of what “Beauty Reigns: A Baroque

PHOTO COURTESY OF MCNAY/BIGSTOCK.COM

// BY: GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MCNAY/BIGSTOCK.COM

Sensibility in Recent Painting” is about.

We see a throwback to advertising, Middle Eastern and Eastern tapestries and a certain post-pop construction. With Barnett Newman-esque mannequins, corporate logo deviations, bold graphic symbology, animal patterns, royal crests and linear fetishes, McGinness layers hue with heavy-loaded and hedonic sensibilities.

Our eye, looking for anchor, is greeted with neon-yellow overload, garish greens, a post-nuclear pink apocalypse and a cobalt calamity – all radiating internally, pulsating like cells and heating up for a visual artistic explosion.

Meanwhile, “Big Perfume,” by Schwartz, exemplifies the simplistic susceptibility of modernist tendencies that bridged the cubist constructions. Schwartz is visually recycled from Barilleaux’s recent curatorial “A Brief History of Seduction,” an exhibition that just ended in January 2014. We are familiar enough with her work to understand the attraction and seductive nature for “Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting,” but upon first glance, the simplistic nature of “Big Perfume” is far from Barilleaux’s extrovert exercise, or his “exoticism, exuberance and optimism.”

Pink vase outlines match up to cubist views, resting on pedestals-turned-arches. A still-life arrangement of grapes is back-dropped by vertical stripes on the right, balanced with a yellow fade-to-black composition on the left side, filled with intersecting lines. Minus all of the provocation arrangements, compositions and gestalts of the other artworks in the exhibition, “Big Perfume” gives a calm to the storm – a breather of sorts that allows for historical digestion in an ultimate urban portrayal.

Alvarez, Aram and Ramirez are also three of the artists in “Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting” were also featured in the amended hardcover catalog of David S. Rubin’s (the former Brown Foundation curator of contemporary art at the San Antonio Museum of Art) “Psychedelic: Optical and Visionary Art since the 1960s” exhibition, curated in March 2010.

Not quite psychedelic lite, “Beauty Reigns” has its own flavor mixed with examples of somewhat overused identities, boarding favoritisms. With a stylized artistic appeal, Barilleaux sought to have the audience leave the museum walls and journey into a new realm, met by stimuli that engages us and is reflective of acquainted and non-familiar imagery – worldly, as well as mysterious. He accomplishes this task and gives voice to a new generation of mixed eclecticism that breeds cohesive thought – both visually and conceptually. ■

"Big Perfume" "We Came from the Stars"

"Only a Thief Thinks Everybody Steals"

“Beauty Reigns: A Baroque Sensibility in Recent Painting” is on view at the McNay until Aug. 17, 2014. The exhibition then travels to the Akron Art Museum in Ohio, where it will be on view from Jan. 24 to May 3, 2015.

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// arts & culture //

Unveiling

TEXAS

JOSE VIVES-ATSARA, RUSSELL STEPHENSON AND CAPTURING THE MOMENT WITH LANDSCAPES

HISTORIC PICTORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

TO THE LONE STAR STATE CAN BE TRACED BACK TO THE LATE 1880S.

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L

andscapes have captured the attention of artists around the world for epochs.

From the infamous Monet lily ponds to the Japanese mountain tapestries, our world has been the surrounding force for a driven passion in fine art. Although landscape painting is centuries old, painters have been a constant in the field and capturing the moment. Abstract landscapes combine the artistic expressions of the artist with the solid grounding of an intuitive understanding and cognitive recognition of place, geography, horizon, sea, land and air.

Yes, impressionistic landscape painting of the 1800s and early 1900s introduced modernist tendencies including fauvism and aspects of cubism. However, with the standard horizon-line foreground, middle and background composition being the mainstay of this particular aesthetic, there was always an unspoken integrity passed through the generations. With abstract landscapes, we understand the poignant properties of the terrain mixed with factual element. Texas landscape is no different; it’s a scenic sensibility that continues to inspire. Historic pictorial contributions to the Lone Star State can be traced back to the late 1880s with the Onderdonk family and the portrayal of the bluebonnet Texas hillsides. Salinas, Wood, Arpe and the Harrisons all played an important role in Texas-inspired landscape painting. But one thing they did not conquer was the construct of abstract reference.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JR MOONEY GALLERIES OF FINE ART

// BY: GABRIEL DIEGO DELGADO

TEXAS LANDSCAPE IS A SCENIC SENSIBILITY THAT CONTINUES

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JR MOONEY GALLERIES OF FINE ART

to inspire.

Two artists 50 years apart sought to capture the timeless sensibility that we know as the Texas, Southwest and Mexican landscapes. Through individual aspirations, artistic interpretations and geographic assimilations, we discover that half a century adds even more lineage to the pictorial depiction of Texas story, brought forth between generational texpatriots.

In the 1960s, San Antonio painter Jose Vives-Atsara (1919 – 2004), an internationally recognized painter, dove into landscape abstraction during a time when abstract expressionism was in its infancy.

Highlights of his decades-long artistic career include a city of San Antonio-initiated gift to Pope John Paul II for the Vatican presented by Archbishop Patrick Flores in

1987 to painted contributions within the art collection of Juan Carlos, king of Spain.

His mastered palette knife technique lent itself to bold color gestures, intuitive mark making and swatches of bright and colorful hues bringing the Texas, Mexican and Spanish landscapes to life. Known for his florals, landscapes and renditions of Texas scenes, Vives-Atsara made a name during a time when artistic liberties were a far reach in the genre of traditional landscape painting.

For Vives-Atsara, one can only explore personal aspects of his life to begin to understand a leap into a fray of abstraction.

To see inside the artist’s mind, you see a world turned upside-down: international relocation, a new job and a new house.

As a thriving art career began to unfold, Vives-Atsara, who was already known for his still lives, portraits, landscapes and wildflowers, began to paint a series of abstract landscapes with his signature 11-color palette – a choice one might think was reflective of the chaos of such personal upheavals and distresses.

“Abstract Landscape,” by Vives-Atsara, illustrates this new exploration of intellectual abstraction. Closing in on the rocky pathway like some overgrown Tim Burton landscape, the trees line the gauntlet, creating a foreboding effect on top of artistic mystification. Adding to the mystery is the fact we do not know if Vives-Atsara is painting the Guadalupe River, the Texas Hill Country, the Spanish countryside or MAY//JUNE 2014 NHOME /

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF JR MOONEY GALLERIES OF FINE ART

the various seascapes that captured his attention.

“My using a palette knife – a spatula – happened accidently,” Vives-Atsara said. “The professors that taught me always used brushes. I experimented with the spatula, and I like the result; it added improved texture and spontaneity to my paintings. An artist must be educated in the standard techniques of painting, but there is no substitute for his personal daily experience and his mistakes.”

In Vives-Atsara’s work, we see the movement in which the work was created – the potent and deliberate manipulation of color mixed with purposeful marks, gestures and highlights.

With quick whips with the palette knife, Vives-Atsara cuts into the paint, creating cactus with needle-like textural accents in select areas. Red, orange, blue and yellow swatches of color dance across the composition. We begin to see the piecemeal landscape scene as our eyes digest the familiar outlines of trees, rocks and path.

On the other hand, San Antonio artist Russell Stephenson gives us a collection of meditative, romantic and warm golden-brown abstract landscapes. These paintings contrast his predecessor with images that are minimal in bright hues, but continually capture the setting sun or the dawning of a new day in a signature aesthetic that gains ground in rich earth tones.

Stephenson paints Mesa, Caprock, Llano Estacado, Bastrop, Lubbock, Rockport and other locations in his “Panoramic Texas” series with distinctive horizon lines, giving us familiar elements to enter the composition, familiarize ourselves with the terrain and ingest the beautiful quality of that specific topographical location – mountains, coast, plains, etc.

With glazes, textures, and a mastered control of pressure, Stephenson lays forth bountiful clouds and atmospheres that dance across the Texas skies – a pictorial grandeur to the majestic skyline visually reinforcing the “big and bright” of the revered Texas tune. We begin to see the role the firmament plays in relation to the lands below – a relationship broken down into minimal strata.

Unlike Vives-Atsara, Stephenson grounds us with bold, linear horizontal lines that break up the special abstractions into two distinctive properties. Vives-Atsara surrounds us in color with surprising wicks, flicks and wisps that create active energies with a literal all-over composition, giving respect to the abstract expressionist call.

As the fine art lineage of Texas landscapes continues into the new generation, we will again see how the past affects the future. One thing will always hold true: Texas acts as muse in her own stately liberties, drawing artists from all over to bathe in her Lone Star luxury and adding inspiration, tranquility and perseverance to individual artwork – no matter the medium, genre or aesthetic. ■

Luxury Living in The Dominion ANGELICA JULISSA ALBANESE Associate Broker-Luxury Home Expert Keller Williams Realty Heritage

C. 210.383.4740 F. 210.638.6269 2338 N. Loop 1604 W. Ste. 120 San Antonio, Tx. 78248 kwselecthomes@gmail.com

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// great escapes //

Something for Everyone WHY YOU SHOULD ESCAPE TO FREDERICKSBURG: THE HEART OF THE TEXAS HILL COUNTRY // BY: RITA ZENZEN HECK

L

ess than 70 miles north of San Antonio, Fredericksburg is in the heart of the picturesque Texas Hill Country and it has something for everyone from kids to grandparents: German tradition, winery trails, historical landmarks and much much, more.

Founded by John O. Meusebach in 1846 after a treaty with the Comanche Indians, Fredericksburg was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Texas in 1970. More than 40 percent of the state’s peaches are grown along Highway 290 between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, with many orchards of-

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NIMITZ NATIONAL MUSEUM

OF THE PACIFIC WAR IN FREDERICKSBURG IS THE SECOND MOST VISITED MUSEUM IN TEXAS.

fering pick-your-own service from May to August. It has the nation’s second-longest winery trail after only Napa Valley, Calif., and the world’s largest working wild seed farm.

Whether you have just a weekend or an entire week to spend, you can fill it with fun and relaxation in Fredericksburg.

HIGHWAY 290 WINE TRAIL Fredericksburg’s first winery opened off of Highway 290 in the 1980s when townspeople thought the owner was crazy – “grapes won’t grow here,” they said. Since then, more than 14 vineyards and wineries have proved the naysayers wrong. Along with the vineyards, most have European-

style tasting rooms and regular operations tours. Many have earned gold medals for their products competing with recognized wine producers across the country.

GERMAN TRADITION

From architecture to food, Fredericksburg reflects its German roots.

Among the highest-rated restaurants according to a city poll is Otto’s German Bistro, located at 316 E. Austin.

Taking some twists on tradition, Otto’s menu includes roasted quail, curried pork schnitzel and many Old World favorites.

The Old German Bakery at 225 W. Main offers fresh-baked traditional German goodies in addition to a light menu. And Der Lindenbaum, located at 312 E. Main, was named by its German owner after the centuries-old linden tree that grew in her family’s yard in Eifel Mountain, Germany. It serves food typical of her native land.

If German’s not your taste, there are many other fine and fast food restaurants that represent all types of cuisine to satisfy in this laidback town.

A visit to Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Restaurant and Spa would be a relaxing way to spend some time. All of your favorite herbs are grown and sold there, and the spa features the pampering you deserve. Reservations are a must – call 830-997-8615.

Accommodations range from motel chains to bed and breakfasts that recall a quiet German country village.

Others exude Victorian charm or the early pioneer days with rustic log cabins surrounded by creeks and forests.

Baron’s Creekside consists of 15 log cabins reconstructed from a 250-yearold Swiss farmhouse and shipped to Fredericksburg. In a completely natural setting, fishing is just steps away.

For more information, visit www. baronscreekside.com or call 830-9909498.

And Hoffman Haus, also Swissowned, claims to be the gateway to the Texas Wine Trail. To learn more, visit www.hoffmanhaus.com or call 830-997-6739.

»

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THE ENTRANCE TO GRAPE CREEK VINEYARDS IS VISIBLE FROM HIGHWAY 290.

THE WINE TRAIL FEATURES 14WINERIES FROM FREDERICKSBURG TO STONEWALL.

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LOOK AND SEE The Admiral Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War, located at 340 E. Main, opened in 1983, and it is the second most visited museum in the state.

Three separate areas include interactive exhibits and a unique outdoor collection of restored military vehicles and weapons displayed around reproductions of docks and beachheads.

Enchanted Rock, which sits at 1,825 feet above sea level and covers 640 acres, is one of the largest underground rock formations uncovered by erosion in the United States, and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ state-parks/enchanted-rock or call 830-685-3638.

Wildseed Farm, located off Highway 290 just outside of Fredericksburg, is the largest

wild seed farm in the world, with more than 200 acres of colorful wild flowers and areas for vegetables and herbs. You can purchase a variety of wildflower seeds and theme items at the store, and you can pick up a snack at the Brewbonnet, which is surrounded by a variety of small, related shops.

Downtown Fredericksburg is filled with lots of small shops, restaurants, a winery and a microbrewery –all of which deserve your attention. ■

For information on guided winery and other tours, special events and other city information, contact the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce at www. fredericksburg-texas.com or 840-997-6523.

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// finance //

WHAT IT TAKES MAY SURPRISE YOU. // BY: EASTON CRAFTS

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WITH INTEREST RATES still at historic lows, a homebuyer can afford a higher-priced home – but what would it take to qualify for a home priced at $1 million?

Assets First, a buyer would typically need a minimum down payment of 20 percent, which would be $200,000. Secondly, there are closing costs and prepaid expenses to pay, which would run approximately $20,000 (assuming an escrow account is set up to include taxes and insurance in the monthly payment). Finally, most lenders will require a buyer to have some liquid asset reserves.

A typical reserve requirement is six months of the proposed monthly payment. Reserves are funds that remain in the buyer’s bank account after closing, so this is just a requirement set by

mortgage lenders to make sure the buyer didn’t spend his or her last dime to purchase the home and is required to help mitigate any early payment defaults.

Liquid assets are typically bank deposits (checking, savings, CD, money market), stocks, bonds and treasuries. An estimated principal and interest payment using a 4.5 percent interest rate amortized for a term of 30 years at a loan amount of $800,000 would equal $4,053 per month, plus $300 per month for insurance and $2,083 per month in taxes (using a 2.5 percent yearly property tax rate). The total monthly payment would be $6,436.

In order to meet the six-month reserve requirement, a buyer will need to have $38,616 left over in his or her bank/asset account after a down payment, closing costs and interest. For quick math, all of this adds up to a minimum

ANDY DEAN PHOTOGRAPHY/BIGSTOCK.COM

Qualifying for a Million-Dollar Home

amount of $258,616 in assets to purchase a $1 million home.

Income The income required to afford a $1 million home is typically on a sliding scale due to different buyers having different amounts of installment and credit card debts. That said, let’s assume the buyer has $2,000 in car payments and $1,000 in minimum credit card payments. A mortgage lender will generally require that at a maximum, a borrower’s debts including the proposed house payment cannot exceed 45 percent of a borrower’s income. In this scenario, backing our way into how much income would be needed, we add car payments with credit card payments and the proposed house payment, which totals $9,436 per month, and divide by 45 percent or .45, which equals $20,969 per month in income that would be required to qualify.

Opening Doors to the American Dream

Source of income Mortgage lenders want to make sure the source of income received is likely to continue for at least the next three years.

They will verify and may require explanation if there have been any large fluctuations in income over the last two tax years and year to date.

A one-time income event such as a large capital gain from the sale of an asset (i.e. real estate, stocks, bonds, etc.) will not count as income. Employed borrower income will be broken down to separate any overtime, commissions, bonuses, etc. from base pay. The non-base pay income will generally be averaged over the last two years.

Self-employed income requires even more meticulous analysis, which is too long to explain for this article. Royalties and note-receivable income require tax returns and verification that it is likely to continue for at least the next three years.

Other requirements Credit score requirements for Jumbo loans (loans above $417,000) are typically higher than Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and other government agency loan programs. Most lenders want to see 700-plus credit scores. Typically, Jumbo loans above $750,000 require a second appraisal to double check the home value. If you have $258,616 in available assets and can swing a $6,436-per-month payment, you may very well be on your way to qualifying for a $1 million home!

If you want to purchase at any price point and are curious to know what you qualify for, contact a mortgage lender today to confirm where you stand. With low interest rates and the price of new and pre-owned homes continuing to rise, there is no better time to buy real estate. It is simply one of the best investments that anyone can make and enjoy every day. ■

For more information about mortgage loans, contact Easton Crafts at easton@directionsequity.com or 210-257- 0642. You may also visit www.directionsequity.com for online payment calculators and payment scenarios, or to apply online (National Mortgage Licensing System No. 220151).

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www.directionsequity.com www.directionsequity.com

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Jim McKissick

Branch Manager NMLS #225338

Kristie Arocha Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #299226

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Sr. Loan Officer NMLS #1016458

©2014 SWBC. All rights reserved. Loans subject to credit and property approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Programs and guidelines are subject to change without notice. Rates are subject to change daily. SWBC Mortgage Corporation. NMLS #9741. Corporate office located at 9311 San Pedro, Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78216. 8540-5463 0314

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81

// community inspiration //

E

ight women and men who crusade for public good were recently honored at North Star Gives, presented by North Star Mall in partnership with the Volvo Center and Saks Fifth Avenue.

On Thursday, March 20, the following individuals were recognized at the event held in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing of the mall:

 Suhail Arastu, Musical Bridges Around the World  Di-Anna Arias, Time Dollar Community Garden & Food Pantry  Louis Barrios, Viola’s Huge Heart  Peggy Brink, CARE  Dr. Vivian Bucay, Respite Care of San Antonio  Jason Cox, Marrow Me  Katy Flato, San Antonio Book Festival (San Antonio Public Library Foundation)  Beth Webster-Wright, the San Antonio Furniture Bank

Now in its fourth year, North Star Gives raised a total of $51,730. All tickets sold for the event directly benefited the charity from which they were purchased.

Whether driven by personal quests or just a sincere desire to make a difference, the honorees set inspiring examples of the meaning of volunteerism and advancing the quality of life for others.

“North Star Gives is an opportunity for the community to gather together in celebration of good works and good causes and proves that the spirit of giving in our community is stronger than ever,” says Michelle Robertson, senior

Inspiring Change NORTH STAR GIVES RAISES MORE THAN $51,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES AND HONORS EIGHT MEN AND WOMEN WHO ACT ON THEIR SINCERE DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. // SPECIAL TO NHOME // PHOTOGRAPHY: GREG HARRISON

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Guests supporting Musical Bridges at North Star Gives

“NORTH STAR GIVES PROVES THAT

THE SPIRIT OF GIVING

IN OUR COMMUNITY IS STRONGER THAN EVER.”

marketing manager for North Star and The Shops at La Cantera.

More than 400 guests, including past North Star Gives honorees Diana Barrios, Ana Montoya and Liz Tullis, enjoyed a reveal of chic fashions by Saks Fifth Avenue and music. Guests mingled while enjoying light hors d’oeuvres and indulging in the candy bar in The Limited and the champagne bar in the Saks shoe department. WOAI-TV personality Shelly Miles emceed the event and regularly called on winners to receive fabulous prizes from North Star retailers.

Viola’s Huge Heart Foundation brought the most guests and raised more than $16,000, making them the recipient of additional funding from North Star: $1,000 for bringing the most guests and $1,000 for raising the most funds.

The evening ended with a big bang as a cannon of confetti spread over the crowd when Cox’s key started the Volvo S60. His organization, Marrow Me, won the $1,000 prize, compliments of the Volvo Center.

THE 2014 NORTH STAR GIVES HONOREES INCLUDED:

Suhail Arastu, Musical Bridges Around the World

Founded in 1998, Musical Bridges Around the World is a cultural and educational nonprofit focused on creating one-of-a-kind, multicultural performances by world-class, internationally renowned classical, jazz and ethnic folk musicians and performing artists, for the benefit of the public and at-risk youth, while fostering San Antonio’s reputation as a cosmopolitan cultural center and promoting tourism and development.

This year, Musical Bridges will produce more than 15 concerts at San Fernando Cathedral, at Trinity University and in private residences, and another 25 concerts in economically disadvantaged Title I middle schools, reaching up to 25,000 at-risk youth. To support this great cause, visit www.musicalbridges.org.

»

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Di-Anna Arias, Time Dollar Community Garden & Food Pantry

Time Dollar is a local community garden and food pantry based on the concept that everyone has something to give and can become involved in a network of exchange. The 501(c)(3) organization on the west side of San Antonio uses their limited resources and volunteers to provide Precious Minds parenting classes, weekly boxes from the food pantry for families in need, Spanish literacy classes, El Jardin de La Esperanza Community Garden, Back to School Exchange for school supplies and uniforms for children in need and nutrition awareness and fitness instruction.

This is a small nonprofit organization with a huge will to help the individual within its community. To support this great cause, visit www.satimedollar.com.

Louis Barrios, Viola’s Huge Heart

Viola’s Huge Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that regularly offers full scholarships to a private high school to deserving young people. These students have excelled academically and shown exceptional character; their only challenge is that they have limited financial resources.

To support this great cause, visit www. violasheart.org.

Peggy Brink, CARE

Founded in 2009 by Lloyd and Peggy Brink, CARE rescues dogs and cats deemed unadoptable and places them in happy, permanent homes. Working with the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services, the nonprofit group educates the community on the vital importance of becoming a foster home to save a life.

CARE has been able to build a large foster care network that is not only saving lives, but creating a trend on the importance of opening your home temporarily to a dog or cat that deserves a second chance. To support this great cause, visit www.caretx.org.

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Dr. Vivian Bucay, Respite Care of San Antonio

Respite Care provides services to enhance the stability and the nurturing opportunities of families who are caring for a loved one with a developmental disability. Respite Care is a place for parents and families to regroup from the constant pressures of care and caring. It is a place where their children – who don’t quite “fit in” by some definitions – can participate, receive care and be celebrated for the individuals they are. Respite Care has also become a safe haven for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect.

Encompassing a series of services and programs administered by professionally trained caregivers in multiple locations throughout San Antonio, Respite Care offers full-service child daycare, an emergency shelter, foster placement and part-time “day out” programs. Most programs are for the child with special needs, as well as siblings. To support this great cause, visit www.drvivianbucay.com or www.respitecaresa.org.

Jason Cox, Marrow Me

Marrow Me is committed to raising awareness about the realities of marrow donation in order to grow the registry with viable, educated and dedicated donors. It works to connect a donor for every patient in need by educating and encouraging the community to join the registry and to fund its outreach. The goal of Marrow Me is to match a donor for every person seeking a bone marrow match. To support this great cause, visit www.marrowme.org.

Katy Flato, San Antonio Book Festival (San Antonio Public Library Foundation)

The annual San Antonio Book Festival (SABF), a program of the nonprofit San Antonio Public Library Foundation, is a major new cultural event held at Central Library and Southwest School of Art. The mission of SABF is to unite readers and writers in a celebration of ideas, books, libraries and literary culture.

Book lovers get up close to renowned writers at engaging readings, panel discus-

sions, book sales and signings. The lineup of 70 acclaimed national, regional and emerging authors represents the best, most recent books that publishers are offering.

There is something for everyone at each festival, as topics range from politics and fiction to poetry, the environment and the South Texas border. For schools, families and younger festival-goers, there are children’s book authors, interactive bilingual areas, art activities and entertainment.

A donation, at any level, will help San Antonio grow as a literary destination and strengthen our vibrant literary community.

This year’s SABF was on April 5, 2014, and it was free and open to all. To support this great cause, visit www.saplf.org/festival.

Beth Webster-Wright, the San Antonio Furniture Bank The San Antonio Furniture Bank is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide free furniture to families struggling with poverty and other severe life challenges. These families are financially unable to furnish their own homes to even a minimal standard. Founded in May 2012 with an initial goal of helping 25 families, it quickly established roots and, in less than six months, helped more than 500 households.

The families served by the furniture bank include the previously homeless, unemployed and working poor, battered women and children in retreat, immigrants, individuals with mental or physical disabilities, victims of fire, robbery and natural disasters, etc.

The San Antonio Furniture Bank partners with other nonprofits to identify those most in need in the community because no one should have to sleep on the floor. To support this great cause, visit www.sanantoniofurniturebank.org.

North Star is owned and managed by General Growth Properties (GGP), an S&P 500 company focused exclusively on owning, managing, leasing and redeveloping high-quality retail properties throughout the United States. The GGP portfolio is comprised of 120 retail properties in the United States comprising approximately 125 million square feet. GGP is headquartered in Chicago, Ill., and publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol, GGP.

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// events //

FROM MOVIE SCREENINGS AND ART SHOWS TO THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED PARADE OF HOMES, MAY AND JUNE

HAVE SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY THROUGHOUT THE

ALAMO CITY AREA.

New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center Enjoy quality antique and vintage shopping with dealers from across America in New Braunfels! Hours of operation vary by the day, parking is free and admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children 9 to 12 and free for children 8 and under. www.heritageeventcompany. com/event/new-braunfelsantique-show

MAY 15

MAY 24

Bill Sinkin’s 101 Years of a Life Well Lived Celebration The Veranda Solar San Antonio will honor chairman and founder Bill Sinkin at The Veranda with an evening dinner, dancing and cocktails from 6:30 to 10:30. Tickets cost $101, and proceeds will help continue Sinkin’s legacy. 210-354-0236

Joel Osteen The Alamodome The American preacher and evangelist brings his “Texas-Sized Night of Hope” to San Antonio. The show starts at 5:30 p.m.

210-207-3663

MAY 19 Gypsy Kings The Majestic Theatre Enjoy the Gypsy Kings at the Majestic Theatre beginning at 7:30 p.m. www. majesticempire.com

MAY 22 Journey The AT&T Center Enjoy Journey at the AT&T Center beginning at 7 p.m. www.attcenter.com

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JUNE 6 – 8

New Braunfels Antique Show

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JUNE 3 “Brave” Screening Travis Park Enjoy a screening of “Brave” at Travis Park, the new location of the Movies by Moonlight Summer Outdoor Film Series.

210-212-8423

JUNE 6 Art History San Antonio Museum Of Art The San Antonio Museum of Art presents a nine-part lecture series by Professor Annie Labatt about great masterworks of Western art at 5:30 p.m. 210-978-8100

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Summer Fun Around San Antonio

JUNE 12

JUNE 21 – 29

Fourth Annual Art in the Dark The Witte Museum Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to bid sight unseen, as each unique creation will be draped until the official unveiling at the end of the evening.

Admission costs $25 to $35. 210-357-1900

Parade of Homes The Dominion Whether you are in the market for a new home or just looking to get some great ideas from San Antonio’s leading green builders, Parade of Homes is the place to be. 210-696-3800

JUNE 17

JUNE 21

“Monsters University” Screening Travis Park Enjoy a screening of “Monsters University” at Travis Park, the new location of the Movies by Moonlight Summer Outdoor Film Series. 210-212-8423

Jazz Vocalist Jose James Charline McCombs Empire Theatre The New Yorkbased singer, who is an underground sensation in modern jazz and DJ culture scenes, comes to the Empire Theatre at 7:30 p.m. www.majesticempire.com

JUNE 24

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“Finding Nemo” Screening Travis Park Enjoy a screening of “Finding Nemo” at Travis Park, the new location of the Movies

by Moonlight Summer Outdoor Film Series.

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// events //

Interior Designers Mean Business!

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS BRINGS NATIONAL ATTENTION TO THE ALAMO CITY AT THE THIRD ANNUAL BUSINESS OF DESIGN. // BY: ADRIAN GALVAN

Kim Kraemer & Kelly Rigsby

Joyce Bryant & Donna Reed

WITH SO MUCH CREATIVE AND AMAZING TALENT in San Antonio composed of interior designers, contractors and architects, there comes a time to focus on business skills and industry practices. The American of Society of Interior Designers (ASID) held its Third Annual Business of Design on March 27, a “signature event’” hosted by the San Antonio design community. Just as in previous years, this year fell nothing short of a grand success.

The local design community brought nationwide social media platform, HOUZZ, to San Antonio. Deepa Mungara, with HOUZZ, held two informative sessions for the excited attendees composed of more than 75 interior designers, contractors, students and professionals from San Antonio and Austin.

This year also featured a distinguished panel of speakers composed of award-winning professionals to answer in-depth questions related to the overall theme of “industry collaboration.” The panel was moderated by Justin Bravo, president of the local chapter of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, who engaged the speakers in sharing multiple perspectives of the industry.

The ASID San Antonio design community hopes to continuously host and sponsor events to design professionals that enrich creative minds, but also educate and support the importance of successful business practices. ■ 9 0 For / Nmore H O Minformation, E M A Y / / J U Nvisit E 201 4 www.asidtx.org.

Distinguished Speakers (left to right): Justin Bravo, Kelly Rigsby, David Dalgliesh, Casey Roy, Michael G. Imber & Lynley Serratt

THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S PANEL DISCUSSION WAS “INDUSTRY COLLABORATION.”

PHOTOS BY MELISSA BACKUS

Lynely Serratt & Adrian Galvan

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