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lifestyle · luxury · design · architecture Winter, 2016

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS/STAFF WRITERS Meagan Kinley, Krysta Ayers

EDITORIAL INTERN Samuel Horstman

EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson DESIGN BY: Ernie Sanchez Creative

COVER PHOTO BY: Brian Wancho

EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative

JUNIOR DESIGNER Estefania Perea

BUSINESS MANAGER Veronica Nevarez

TV MANAGER Jessy Castañeda

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Christina Rivera

OFFICE ASSISTANT Pablo Delgadillo

SALES MANAGER

Christine Aguilar caguilar@thecitymagazineelp.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com

Jessy Castañeda jessy@thecitymagazineelp.com

Subscription form can be found on page 6.

Veronica Nevarez veronica@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS The City El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 5925 Silver Springs Dr., Suite A El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors.

Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732.

Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.

All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine.

All rights reserved.

Grace Neuhaus, Meagan Kinley, Pablo Delgadillo, Krysta Ayers, Janene Rojas, Karah Royse, Jesse Maynes, Lauren Macias-Cervantes, Liam McLean, Samuel Horstman, Lloyd Hamilton

PHOTOGRAPHY

Brian Wancho, Robert Corral, MB Gross

SENIOR STYLIST Ladonna Apodaca

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EL PASO/LAS CRUCES

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The Latino Presence in the

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The City’s Thriving

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Bobby Griffing TALENT, TRUFFLES, DUBAI ... OH MY!

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Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

contents 32 48 63

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By: Karah Royse

In and Out By: Janene Rojas

Astrology Safeguarding and Protecting Your Home With Feng Shui By: Grace the Psychic Lady

64

The Tiny House Movement

68

A Room Full of Wonder

74

Say No To Growing Up

Le Jardin By: Ladonna Apodaca

50 4

As Breathtaking as the View

By: Krysta Ayers

By: Pablo Delgadillo

By: Samuel Horstman

Beauty in the Decay By: Ladonna Apodaca www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

A Black N D

tion Inspira

B oar d

Winter, 2016

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84

88

An El Paso Icon The Merrick Building

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By: Lloyd Hamilton

Thinking Outside the Box By: Liam McLean

Pork Chops, Biscuits and Tarts (Oh My!) By: Jesse Maynes

Travel Fly South for the Winter By: Meagan Kinley

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Winter, 2016

Eye For Color

PLUM

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

GORGEOUS

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THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Winter, 2016

“CREATIVITY IS ALLOWING YOURSELF TO MAKE MISTAKES. DESIGN IS KNOWING WHICH ONES TO KEEP.” – Scott Adams

Can anything be sadder than a home left unfinished? Yes, the design of a home that was never begun. Because your home deserves love too, we bring you this issue of the first 2016 Spaces. As you turn the pages, I want to engage you as long as possible. There will be one page, a transformation moment, that makes you stop, one page of which your

Editor-in-Chief

inner designer will say, “that would look amazing in my home.” That’s

8

what we want. That’s why we at the magazine spend months putting together each issue just for you. As Nike says, “Just do it.” Pick a page, pick a local designer, local flooring specialist, local contractor and make it happen. As Billie Jean King once said, “Be bold. If you’re going to make an error, make a doozey and don’t be afraid to hit the ball.” So, be bold, paint it, build it and just make it happen. A home is about personalizing it, making it your own with the elements that are yours and yours alone.

After all, it’s just paint, it’s just flooring, it’s just a new sofa, rug, table, ceiling… Designing a home is, yes, an art, but it’s your art. It takes time, patience and sometimes a few bad choices before we get it right. And now, we’ll give you a little push. So, here’s the challenge: I want to know the source of your vision. Take your before pictures, finish your project, then take the after pictures. Write me a letter, include your inspiration and let me hear from you, or hashtag us on social media using #DiditforTheCity. I want to know every local inspiration and vendor you used and we just might publish you. Together, let’s make the interior of El Paso a better place to live.

Dazzle yourself,

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Winter, 2016

Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

THE CITY SPACES El paso/las cruces HOME & DESIGN

The Contributors

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

1) Ladonna Apodaca 2) Meagan Kinley 3) krysta ayers 4) MB Gross 5) Karah Royse

6) Liam MCLEAN 7) Jesse Maynes 8) Janene rojas 9) Pablo Delgadillo 10) samuel hortsman

11) Brian Wancho 12) Grace Neuhaus 13) Lauren Macias-Cervantes 14) Lloyd hamilton

For full contributor Bios got to www.thecitymagazineelp.com 10

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

CabiN

r e v Fe

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Winter, 2016

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Le Jardin A Winter, 2016

s I sit with the owner of our featured garden, she solemnly

Written and Styled by: LADONNA APODACA Photography by: BRIAN WANCHO Architecture and Landscape Design by:

MARTINA LOREY, ARCHITECT

notes how quickly time has passed. In the twenty years that it’s been since she first had the house built for her young

family, she has watched her children learn to crawl, walk, swim and run, all in the expansive backyard that became their outdoor living area.

The house and surrounding gardens sit on a lot that’s exceptionally

Twenty years of

long and backs up to an arroyo. The homeowner fondly recalls a memory of her mother suggesting early on, that they finish the design

nurturing and extensive

for the backyard at the top level of the property. Conversations with

travel abroad has seen

project), however, suggested otherwise. Lorey recommended that

this central El Paso garden transform from a family’s

Martina Lorey (the architect and landscape designer engaged for the they terrace the backyard down the hill, to take advantage of the view of Mt. Cristo Rey and the glorious sunsets beyond.

Lorey’s stepped elevation concept prevailed and the elements for design soon began to fall into place. One of the details most favored by both the homeowner and architect are the lions-head water feature

adored backyard

above the grotto on the second level. The homeowner explains that

to a sophisticated

in France. The idea of somehow incorporating a similar feature in

playground full of

She sent a photo of herself to Lorey posing beside the fountain and

European charm.

she had seen a lion’s head fountain at a castle once while visiting her garden back home very much appealed to the girl from Texas. inquired as to whether or not she liked the idea. Lorey was delighted and the concept of the grotto was wholeheartedly approved. Lorey explains that, “A grotto is a very traditional element to find in European 17

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le jardin

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Winter, 2016

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Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

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garden design. The addition of the fountain and pond created a focal point on the second level that was perfectly suited to the layout of the property.”

She also added, “We were very pleased to have been able to employ local artisans to carve the stones and balustrades. The stone was imported from Mexico, which was a wonderful link to our sister country and our own culture in this part of the world.”

When I asked the homeowner what had influenced her most during the four years that it took to develop the property, she demurely admitted that it was her travels

THANK YOU, EL PASO!

abroad that had swayed her impressions the most. European connections in the family had made the desire to have elements of the children’s heritage important at the time.

Wise gardeners seek inspiration before

ANGELA FEATHERS NOMINATED BEST REALTOR

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21

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le jardin

Winter, 2016

I asked the homeowner how having such an inviting backyard and gardens had affected her overall perspective of the house where her children were raised. She responded by saying that had her children not grown up in these grounds, they

“this has been such a heartwarming

probably would have spent much more time playing outside at the neighborhood park or country club.

place to raise a

“One of the things I’ve loved so much about this backyard,” says the homeowner,

family. We’ve

the kids used to all play on a swing set, which was later replaced by a trampoline,

created a lifetime of great memories here.”

“is that we’ve had all my children’s birthday celebrations here. Over the years which not too long from now, will probably be replaced with something else less kid friendly and more age appropriate for them.”

The playground, in the meantime, has since become a beautiful garden. The landscape has matured and the elements of stone, water and nature all connect with old world charm. Lorey notes that the Italian Cypress trees bordering one side and the Boleana Poplars on the other side of the main level, evoke a feeling of French alleys and frame the beautiful desert arroyo which lies just beyond.

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Winter, 2016

www.vrhhighlands.com •THE915.298.7222 CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

“The overall look of the landscape is a combination of English and French gardens,” Lorey notes.

“The trees are very kinetic. They create a classic element that’s evocative and timeless.

They also create the alley (street) which frames the garden and creates a vanishing point and a perspective on the horizon.”

In the past year new tenants have inhabited the second level; six chickens that lay eggs every day. “It’s been such fun to have pets that give back,” jokes the homeowner.

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“We now like to think of ourselves as urban farmers! We compost, have peach, fig and almond trees as well as grapes. Mind you, the birds get most of the fruit,” she says, “but just the same, we’re enjoying the connection to nature.”

The homeowner seems quite content, as

GETTING YOU BACK TO BETTER.

she gets lost in thought for a moment. As the memories rally together she shares an overall impression of what these grounds have meant to her. “You know,” she declares, “this has been such a heartwarming place to raise a family. We’ve created a lifetime of great memories here. More than just the birthday parties, we’ve had celebrations of every form and fashion. The pool”, the homeowner adds, “has been so inviting too, such a source of great fun, yet when it

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hasn’t been in use it’s been a very calming influence as well. [Lorey] has done such an outstanding job over the years, transforming this place and bringing all my ideas from a concept into reality.”

It’s clear from our conversation that the house has been in a constant state of flux.

“As my family has matured, our wants and needs of the property outside have done the same. I think,” concludes this happy mom, “that my children have been my greatest joy and inspiration. Over time, countless influences have evolved into what the garden is right now. I’m really looking forward to experiencing the continued change.” www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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le jardin

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“As my family has matured, our wants and needs of the property outside have done the same.�

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As Breathtaking 32

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Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

As the View By: KARAH ROYSE

Photography by: MB GROSS

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Winter, 2016

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Winter, 2016

S

prawled out along the expansive two acres of mountain beauty lies a majestic home that is truly

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Becky Nelson, Broker/Owner Multi-Million Dollar Producer

THANKS SO KINDLY FOR NOMINATING ME AS

BEST REALTOR!

a unique gem in its gated West El

MIL GRACIAS!

Paso location. From first glance, it is

clear that this luxurious home was built with a high level of excellency in every aspect of design, exemplifying this throughout the 11, 297 square feet of breathtaking architecture and detailed landscaping.

Stepping through the 9-foot leaded glass front doors, you are instantly met with a downpour of bright light coming in through the grand sized, beveled glass windows reaching 24-feet high. Beautifully influenced by a Tuscan themed, old-world style, each room is a masterpiece in its own right and filled to the brim with charm and elegance.

The light fixtures in the formal areas, including the kitchen, bar and baths are all suited with Salamanca patterned chandeliers. Some of the bathrooms in the home contain brick walls that were purposely laid without any grout in between in order to add to its uniqueness and rustic theme. Also, there are imported Travertine columns and fireplaces, which are gracefully laid out throughout the home along with Cantera columns on the balconies and patios.

Each of the five bedrooms in the home are considered to be master bedrooms, all accompanied with adjoining granite, marble or onyx counter-topped bathrooms.

• Patience to explain the detailed information about buying or selling • UTEP, BBA Accounting, 25+ Years accounting experience, 15+ Years real estate experience • Substantial knowledge in new home construction & resale homes

However, one of these master bedrooms is a King and Queen’s master suite, which has its own built-in coffee bar and occupies almost the entire left wing of the home.

Within this spacious area is a hallway

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connecting the bedroom to a pair of opulent his and hers bathrooms. Inside, you will find that this special area contains the unique feature of a bathroom fireplace built within the mutually shared vanity area for optimum comfort and luxury.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

2267 TRAWOOD DR., STE A2 79935 (915) 309-0379 – HABLO ESPAŇOL eptxrealestate@aol.com

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A s B r e at h ta k i n g A s t h e V i e w

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A s B r e at h ta k i n g A s t h e V i e w

The nearby study is complete with ceiling-

area. After walking across the room, access

high bookshelves, a large granite top desk

to the covered patio is allowed and the sight

and a double fireplace that connects to the

is nothing less than breathtaking. Gazing out

formal living room on the other side of the

towards the ever expanding city below, you

wall. Not far from the formal dining room is

can’t help but feel a mesmerizing sense of

the temperature controlled wine cellar and

peace and sheer calm as your senses take in

lower bar with a Viking icemaker.

the serene 180 ° view of the city below.

All throughout the lower level of the home,

This magnificent covered balcony is laid with

there is a continuous range of the spacious

slate tile flooring and wraps around the upper

El Paso valley below. Ever more so when

level making it accessible from the bedroom

stepping inside the kitchen and experiencing

to the bar/lounge area. As difficult as it may

the electronic clear glass walls that retract

be to step away from a view like this, there

with a push of a button for instant access to

was more to see and discover, such as the

the covered patio, courtyard, outside kitchen,

lower garden below.

chiseled pool and outstretched lawn.

Expanding from the side of the Bomanite The wide-eyed experience continues when

paved driveway is a gated path that leads to

taking the mirror-walled elevator to the upper

the garden. The garden includes stone sitting

level of the home. Upstairs is a personal theatre

areas and a grove of trees, bearing delicious

room, which mimics the multi-rising levels for

seasonal fruits such as plums, peaches,

seating as regular theatres. However, this

apples and pears.

home theatre is fit with authentic leopard skin recliners set side by side all with electronic

Bidding the home and its view ‘farewell’

controls. Also within the upper part of the

proved difficult, however, it is obvious that

home is a customized mirror-walled exercise

a place such as this had truly been crafted

room, which spaciously opens up to a private

with an immaculate amount of breathtaking

covered balcony for outside yoga.

details, all of which are regularly enjoyed by

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

“Be Legendary, Not Ordinary.”

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its owners and the many guests who have The second floor of the home allows an inside view of the first floor with balcony railings along the poolroom and full upper bar www.thecitymagazineelp.com

the opportunity to visit.

FOR B OOKINGS

(310) 569-1089 5925 SILVER SPRINGS, SUITE D EL PASO, TEXAS 79912 41

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A s B r e at h ta k i n g A s t h e V i e w

Winter, 2016

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In

Winter, 2016

| By: JANENE ROJAS |

Fur Throw

A soft fur throw over the couch is perfect to snuggle up in when it’s cold. Faux or not, this piece is an effortless way to bring luxury into a traditional space.

Centering Chairs Around The Fire Center your chairs facing toward a warm fireplace this season. The glowing atmosphere is perfect for keeping cozy while enjoying time with family and friends.

A Warm Welcome

There is nothing more welcoming than a beautiful entryway table.

Fruit, nuts, greenery and candles will give your guests a feeling of comfort as they enter your home.

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Out

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Throw (Away Boring) Pillows Ditch the boring colored throw pillows and opt for patterns. Patterns in wine colors are going to be huge this winter season for the warmth they add to a room.

Centering Chairs around the TV This season, instead of focusing on what’s on the screen, focus on family instead. Some living rooms are seeing the TV being tossed, but if you’ve still got one, no problem. Just remember to share some time in front of one another and face the chairs and couches in the room toward family members and guests.

Traditional Holiday Colors Okay, so the red and green has become a little much. This year is all about unique personality. What colors get you into the winter spirit?

If golds and purples help you bring in the New Year, there’s nothing wrong with that!

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N NA A y : LA D O

| B

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A | PODAC

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s a contributing writer for The City SPACES, my friend and colleague, Brian Wancho and I, have been wanting to do a series of stories photographed in and around El Paso that depict places that are lost in time. I’m not sure of all the subjects we’ll photograph. Some of the places will be abandoned buildings, boarded-up homes, or run-down tenements. I hope we’ll come across a few old hotels or motels and maybe even a rundown gas station on an obscure stretch of road, or possibly a place of worship, a church somewhere out there. The belongings of these places might be sparse, but I feel like a sense of quiet reverence, even though years will have passed, will somehow continue to linger in our stories.

I want our images to show dust floating in the air.

I want a cold room to show its breath upon the page.

All of these stories will be void of life … but to what degree? I guess we’ll see.

I do know there will be richness to our photo essays that belie their connection to the past. The questions these images will evoke will be what we hope our readers will find most captivating.

In issues to come, look for this abandoned series to include structures overgrown with trees, vines or weeds. Dark places that overshadow the laughter and hushed voices of the people that once lived there.

These lost destinations will still hold a story. And it’s their history that evokes mystery and the questions that our photographs will beg the readers to ask.

As a photographer and interior stylist, Brian and I collaborate to find beauty in all things.

Even in the decay.

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es W

510

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Written and Styled By: LADONNA APODACA Photography by: BRIAN WANCHO

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uilt over 100 years ago, this dusty three-story structure sits quietly in wait of its next renovation.

I consulted with the El Paso County Historical

Society to gain some insight into the history

of this property. Archives yielded very little but

what we do know about the downtown property is this‌ In the early 1900s, 510 Western was some form of residential housing. Back then, the street was known as West San Antonio.

Several references to the housing unit were mentioned in the local newspaper, which at that time was called The Herald. The brief mention that we found made reference to an occupant of the place, a gentleman named Benjamin Blum, who was a messenger for Wells Fargo.

A long gap exists in what happened to the building for the next several decades, but then we found out that in 1930 it became the Western Coffee Company. They roasted coffee and sold it wholesale along with teas, spices and peanuts. Beyond that, available information seems to be even less obtainable.

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Here’s a list of the other incarnations that we uncovered 1935 - Terminal Sales Warehouse

1940 – Grand Prize Beer Distributing Company 1945 – Buckner Transfer Company 1950 – Carpenter Paper Company 1955 – Vacant

1980 – Factory Warehouse Over a decade ago, the property was purchased by its current owners, a partnership comprised of three local businessmen, Alejo Restrepo, Carlos Fernandez and Dr. Robert Assael.

The same gentlemen also purchased the property next door at 200 Anthony and another building across from them at 513 W. San Antonio. Eventually the vision for these three buildings will be a complete renovation with upscale urban living being at the heart of the extensive remodeling.

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Winter, 2016 In the meantime, plans are under consideration to transform 510 Western into loft apartments with the first level being developed for commercial space.

Until such time as plans are finalized, 510 Western still sits in wait of another transformation. When we went to photograph the place we found a hollow shell that was built as solid as a rock. Twelve-inch thick wood beams support the structure on the lower level. The building is mostly empty now, and also very drafty and cold.

Some office furniture still remains, spanning a time frame from what appears to be the 1940 – 1980s. An old intercom phone lies next to a chair from the 50s, which sits across from a row of chairs from the 70s. Holes in the floors appear to have once been chutes of some kind to send things down to the lower levels. Some mechanics from automation still exist but we have no way of knowing what its intended use was.

The place smells strongly of dust. Old pallets lean uselessly against walls on each floor. The structure is dense, a combination of brick, wood and concrete.

It’s interesting to look around and wonder what was added to the building and when. Downstairs, as we looked at the thick wooden beams, we found the names of several men nailed and carved into the supporting columns. Were these the names of workers who first constructed the building? The name of Jose was spelled out with nail heads on one beam. The initials of L.R. are deeply etched into another. Who were these men? What was their connection to the property and what compelled them to leave their names or initials etched in the wood for eternity? Clearly, we’ll never know.

I hope the new owners can somehow preserve the names of these men and their efforts.

Maybe, just by photographing their signatures…

We already have.

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November, 2013

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Safeguarding and

Protecting Your Home with

I

Feng Shui | By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |

n the art of Feng Shui, there are many different kinds of symbols

of Himalayan salt, water and a few drops of essential oil, such as

for safeguarding and protecting the home from negative dark

Purification or Frankincense. Walking around the home to each room

energies entering. The Chinese believe in many celestial guardians

spraying the oil helps to clear negativity in the space.

such as the Phoenix, Dragon, Tortoise, and Tiger. Outside of the homes and many businesses you may see guardians such as Fu

The Native American custom of “smudging” is growing in popularity

Dogs, Pai Yao Dragons, or Massive Lions guarding to protect the

among many cultures. You can find a smudge stick, which is a tightly

occupants. Here are some examples of Feng Shui security against

wrapped bundle of white sage, at many health food stores or crystal

negative energies.

shops. You light one end of the bundle until it is lightly smoldering and walk through the house burning the sage. I suggest opening closets and

The word apple in Chinese is “ping” which sounds like the word

drawers as dark energy likes to hide in those places as well as opening

peace. Prominently displaying one can promote peace inside the

doors and windows to allow the smoke to “leave” the premises.

residence. You can choose an apple of any material such as ceramic, glass, metal or wood. Displaying six real red apples in a bowl on your

Now that you have learned some tips and ideas for successfully utilizing

table promotes both peace and harmony.

Feng Shui, put them to use and enjoy a sense of peace and calm. www.GraceThePsychicLady.com

Negative vibes can be remedied with burning incense, as it is powerful in clearing negative vibes. I recommend if there has been an argument in your home to burn incense to help “clear the air.” Burning natural incense is best to help creature pure energy. When you begin to feel the tension come into your home this is a reminder to burn incense again.

Another thing to consider is the infrastructure by your home. Do you live near a hospital or a funeral home? A hospital represents illness and a funeral represents death. If so, then placing a Bagua (an eight sided octagon) on the side of the home facing the structure helps to keep the negative energies from coming into your home. This is also helpful if you have neighbors that you do not get along with. You can purchase a Bagua easily online or go to your local craft store and purchase a mirror that is octagon shape. If you are not comfortable with placing the Bagua outside, you may also place it inside on a windowsill facing outwards to the negative energy.

Essential oils are another way to protect and invite good energy into your home. Make sure to purchase pure, therapeutic grade oil to obtain optimum benefits. I use a glass spray bottle filled with a pinch

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The Tiny House

: Movement To downsize or not to downsize? | By: KRYSTA AYERS |

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ur homes and our spaces say a lot about us. The floral wallpaper in an old home can quietly speak of your charm and old soul or the sleekness of a minimalist kitchen can pointedly say that you’re uptight and need a vacation. The Tiny House

Movement, starting as a “hipster” trend to go off-grid, has now

become a widely accepted way of living and downsizing your life.

A tiny house is not for everyone, though. (I’m talking to those who need a walk-in closet just for their shoes, or those who need a mancave to escape their wives.) Downsizing into a tiny home is a serious commitment, that is definitely financially appealing, but you’ve got to be honest with yourself. If you’ve watched HGTV lately you’ve probably already noticed the multiple shows added to the network specifically catering to tiny homes. The spaces can get creative and very, very tiny. These attract anyone from people who want to go off-grid (solar panels and toilet buckets, anyone?), to those who want to retire away from home and want to start living a more simplistic, clutter-free life.

The price of building and living in a tiny home might be the most desirable thing about having one. Seriously, say good-bye to high mortgages and electricity bills. Think about how much it takes to heat your house in the winter. A tiny home would drastically cut that bill, and others, allowing for those dream vacations to finally happen.

The cost of building your tiny home all depends on you. There’s an excess of options when it comes to materials, style, eco-friendliness, and accommodations when it comes to the (tiny) house of your dreams. The price can rang anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000.

That’s a huge gap but that’s because there’s so many different options, whether you want to build it yourself, or order your tiny home online. This price also depends on amenities. How badly do you want a dishwasher? Would you rather have a full kitchen or a bedroom you don’t have to loft up? Can you live without a full tub? Where will all of your clothes go and what are your thoughts on toilets? It’s a lot to soak in, I understand. As a hoarder, I can’t possibly imagine throwing away knick-knacks and downsizing my closet in order to fit into a tiny space. How do you entertain people? What I do love about this though is that each person, no matter what his or her purpose for living in a tiny home is, has the ability of creating a unique space, away from the cookie-cutter neighborhoods.

One of the reasons for building tiny homes is that regular housing codes, like how big a bedroom has to be, don’t apply once you put your home on wheels. So if you were looking for loopholes, you can build your tiny home on wheels and avoid complying with city housing codes. This is also a great idea for the wanderlusts of the world. It’s a tiring feat to constantly move a tiny home, but it can be done (hence

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the wheels). Want to live in a different state every year? You can become nomadic and experience America in style, leaving the idea of a bulky RV behind.

Try it on for size! If this is something you really want to look further into, there are several tiny homes that can be rented out so that you are able to get the feel of tiny home living before diving right into it. Nobody needs a mansion of a house where more than half the rooms are never occupied. Donate half your clothes, get rid of that huge dining room table, and take a squat in your new composting toilet!

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AFTER

BEFORE

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Quality • Move-in Ready Buy • Sell • Rehabber

Yari Orta-Rubio

Exceptional architectural detail.

A NEW NAME FOR LUXURY IN EL PASO

TAKING SUPERIOR DESIGN AND DETAIL TO NEW HEIGHTS FOR DIRECTIONS PLEASE VISIT:

DefinitiveHomesEP.com West Texas Borderland Village Mission Ridge

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Prices are subject to change without notice. 11.1.15

A DIVISION OF CAREFREE HOMES

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A Room Full of

| By: PABLO DELGADILLO |

hether whimsical decor is in wonderland, or in a land far far away, this trend is bursting out of a dreamy world and into your house. Many interior designers are using out-of-the-box, unusual pieces to accent living areas and give them a new personality. This trend is not exclusive to just decorating accessories but can also be incorporated as a theme for a whole room.

This look is often recommended for adventurous people that have an ecclectic style. Many people believe that the idea of “whimsy” just pertains to children or to holiday decorations (Halloween, Christmas, etc...) but that is not the case. There are many high-end home décor pieces that can be incorporated into your whimsical design aesthetic that you wouldn’t want your children playing around. Children are still the main focus when it comes to this trend, but here are some examples of how fun and magical can also be meant for adults.

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A Room Full of Wonder

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Winter, 2016 To start, bold accessories are an easy way to start jazzing up a room without completely going all the way. Look for an interesting, over-thetop lamp, or an asymmetrical couch to start with, think in the aesthetics of a Tim Burton movie, where no shape and color is off limits. There are lamps that look like clouds, trees or bold statues repurposed as floor lamps. If you’re more adventurous you can customize an entire room to your liking. Paint and wall decals can also help you do the trick – focus on a wall and go crazy on it, paint a pattern or even a scene straight out of a book that would really make the room pop.

A bed frame can resemble beautiful tree branches, or you can use a chandelier in crazy colors with an extravagant silhouette, that will also help achieve the look. Whimsical doesn’t necessarily need to be tied up with décor however, a whimsical room can also be achieved by having the entire room done in all the same Pantone color. Imagine a luxurious bathroom that’s all black (no exceptions), or a sexy bedroom in all red (walls, carpet, bed, lamps, curtains, everything included). The theme and design are totally up to you; you decide how harmonious or outlandish you want it to look.

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Whimsical is definitely not for everyone – it’s a very “ballsy” decoration option that’s not for the minimalist crowd. This trend has exploded and can be found inside many boutique hotels across the country, allowing for a fun way to experience this style. The interesting thing about these hotels is that, unlike other hotels, each room is customized differently and takes heavy inspiration in fantasy-like décor. One of the most popular boutique hotels around the world is the Wanderlust Hotel in Singapore, which have rooms inspired by a tree house, outer space, a typewriter and pop art. They also offer their Pantone rooms in shades of red, orange, cyan, pink, white, purple and black.

If you’re itching to try this style, we recommend to try a boutique hotel first and if you find yourself in awe by this spellbinding trend, by all means try it at home and transform your house into a magical experience.

Fortune Custom Homes Has captured the essence of timeless quality and design, embracing our customer expectations!

Listing agent: Rosana Gutierrez cell: 915.694.4331 www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Office: 915.856.7795 Fax: 915.849.7665 www.elpasofortunehomes.com

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| By: SAMUEL HORSTMAN |

TO GROWING UP At some point in your life adulthood just appeared and suddenly you were no longer that small kid but rather an adult with “grownup” responsibilities.

One of those responsibilities, like many, was probably moving out of your parent’s home and finding your own place to live. Now came the hard part, how to furnish your new home.

As you unpack boxes from your life, you discover something amazing, your inner child. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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S AY N O T O G R O W I N G U P

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S AY N O T O G R O W I N G U P

hroughout your journey from kid to adult you were probably told many times to “grow up” or “you’re not a kid anymore,” somewhere along the way you accepted that fact. However, as time has shown us, it’s more than okay to release that inner child or geek begging to come out.

Decorating your home or office with a hint of your childhood is the way to show the world that growing up doesn’t mean you have to let go of your childhood.

As an adult, you may often wish you could be a kid again but the best part of growing up is now you can fund your own collection without having to ask mom or dad for that extra allowance money.

Personalizing your own home or office space with pieces from your childhood doesn’t mean you can fill every available space with a toy but rather do it in a way that is unique and minimal. This trick is great for those who share their home with their spouse or a roommate.

Just because you like it doesn’t mean they will, bonus points if they are a fellow kid at heart.

For those with their own space or avid collectors of a fandom, setting aside a place to display your collection can make for a nice piece.

Bookshelves are perfect for displaying a collection of one or multiple fandoms. To match the style of your home you can find a bookshelf that fits in perfectly with the furniture set in place.

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Decorating for the home is easy to do because you are in control of where you can display your collection. However, the more you have on display the more you have to clean.

Since things like action figures or pieces of memorabilia from a favorite book/movie series tend to stay in one place, dust will collect faster. Be sure when finding a place to display your collection that you also plan to put it in a place that is easily accessible. You wouldn’t want your pieces to be ruined.

When it comes to your office space at work, keeping a professional environment is key.

Most places allow you to personalize your desk but overdoing it can send the wrong message to a boss. However, there is a way that you can show off your inner child but still be the professional. You may be limited with your office space but depending what you plan to put in your office, you can still show that inner child or geek. Know your work environment before you get started.

When decorating for the home or workplace a color scheme is a very important thing to consider. Just because they make superhero bed sheets does not mean your bed has to have them. Instead, look at the colors that

Accessories for the Home

RETAIL STORE - INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE • Wallpaper • Carpet/Tile • Area Rugs • Blinds/Shades • Fabrics • Accessories • Silk Trees/ Plants • Furniture • Draperies • Pillows • Framed Art

stand out to you. For example when looking at a Superman theme you can use a mix of reds and blue throughout the room such as bedding and furniture. Not only is this look a good balance of your adulthood and inner child, it avoids your space looking like a random clutter of things. It also helps to break up your collection by placing other items in between such as frames or vintage looking items.

For great tips on how to decorate your own space with your inner child in mind, visit DIY sites like Pinterest or one of the many channels on YouTube that specialize in geeky home décor. Remember; if any one judges your inner child just tell them, as Walt Disney said, “Adults are only kids grown up anyway.”

...everything to meet your decorating needs!

Monday – Saturday 10AM to 5PM

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• Sunday by Appointment Only

6515 N Mesa St. El Paso, Texas 79912 915.590.7373 www.designsbyllpower.com

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An El Paso Icon The

Merrick

Building By: LLOYD HAMILTON

Photography by: ROBERT CORRAL

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A n E l Pa s o I c o n - T h e M e r r i c k B u i l d i n g

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I

Sadly, within months after the completion of Mr. Merrick’s construction contract, he had run into financial difficulties and four years later his business went bankrupt and all ownership was sold to

n acquisition to our cities growth, its historical fragrance continues

another prominent El Paso business pioneer, Joseph Magoffin, who

to percolate within the old-town varnished streets of El Paso.

purchased the property in 1888. However, the building continued to

Seemingly like repetition, construction of rail and transportation

hold a sense of promise to the entrepreneurs of El Paso.

systems have created a period of economic boom in the southwest, as we are now experiencing at the tip of I10’s iceberg makeover.

In 1890, Mrs. Moore, or “Fannie Madden” moved her hotel to the Merrick Building. St. Charles Hotel, would become one of the longest

Much like today, El Paso struggled to accommodate residents at

operating hotels in the El Paso area until 1996 and consumed the

the climax of its growth in the late 1890s while the Southern Pacific

two upper floors while the first floor was occupied by numerous

Depot could barely keep pace with its daily influx of passengers.

businesses. One business, which operated out of the first floor during

These conditions provided a prime real estate melting pot for young

the Mexican Revolution, was The Shelton-Payne Arms Company;

entrepreneur minds, such as one in particular, a man by the name

This company sold and supplied arms and ammunition to all factions.

of Charles Merrick. Mr. Merrick and his brother were pioneers of

Uniquely, in December of 1910, Mexican government agents reported

enterprise in the textile industry and fluent in the skills of clothing,

that Abraham Gonzalez ordered 60,000 cartilages from Shelton-Payne

tailoring, hatting, shoeing and furnishing.

Arms, which were shipped back into Mexico immediately after. The first floor continued to serve as a dining space for businesses like The

Following the arrival of the far west Texas railroads, Mr. Merrick

Hollywood Café in the 1930s.

capitalized on the opportunity of the current economic status and began the process of procurement development for a new building.

As time progressed, the Merrick building finally closed in 1996. It was

He chose two local architects who had budgeted the contract cost to

at this point in time, a member of the El Paso Landmark Commission,

construct the three-story structure amounting nearly $14,000. John J.

architect Morris Brown, fought tirelessly to restore the building to

Stewart, and William J. Carpenter became the mastermind architects

its original charm. Morris was able to persuade the building owners

behind the Merrick Buildings state-of-the-art Romanesque and

to restore it and his tireless efforts were rewarded in the year 2000

Queen Ann design. The famous structure was complimented by its

when restoration by Lucero Melendez Architects of El Paso was

magnificent bays composing of tin cladding which fur out at its north

completed. The architects converted the 2nd and 3rd stories into an

and east facades. The Merrick’s cast iron frame contains storefront-

apartment complex while the ground floor remains a retail space.

glass with timber trim mullions that compel its retail entrance to catch the attention of the Southern Pacific Depot passengers. Coupled

Restoration revitalized the Merrick Building’s elegance and the

with red brick facades of common bond ashlar sandstone, its cast

influence of European design to El Paso. As of now, a space in its first

iron Corinthian columns attribute to its Victorian style. A stunningly

floor remains unoccupied, waiting patiently for another entrepreneur’s

decorative cornice patterned with acanthus leaves sunders the

dream to be realized.

ground floor from its two upper stories.

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Thinking Outside the ‘Box’

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Thinking

Outside the ‘Box’ | By: LIAM MCLEAN |

he Industrial aesthetic has been chic for some time. Strong

freight containers circulating on more than 140,490 miles of US

contrasts resonate with 68% of GenX/Y/millennials. Couple

train tracks, or freight yards. Eventually, containers are auctioned or

this (arbitrary statistic that I totally did not just make up…)

sold off, some with as little use as one trip. Many go on to become

with the undeniable fact that green or eco-responsible

converted buildings. And why not? These containers are practically

approaches to all aspects of first-world modern living have

ready made building starter kits. They are: 1. Extremely strong

been growing in momentum (and popularity) for over three

and durable, made with the highest grade of steel to repeatedly

decades. It started out with can recycling, then plastic and

withstand everything from exposed trans-oceanic journeys, to the

before long our fair city had joined company with other

harshest of elemental extremes all while safely conveying their

progressive cities by offering the ‘blue’ container, next to the

contents from point A to B many times over. 2. Shipping containers

trash can on every curb waiting for pickup.

are naturally modular and ideal for stacking, adding dimension and/ or additional floors to a project. 3. They are extremely cost effective

Well, right along with John Q. Citizen’s journey to zero carbon

compared to the materials and labor involved with building a

footprint, many businesses have been keeping stride by

structure from scratch. After insulating, drywall, paint and climate

subscribing to a green-construction philosophy. On one end of

control, you’re ready for business.

this broad spectrum, you have the governments energy star program that rates everything from appliances to homes on energy

One thing is easy to miss looking solely at numbers, and that’s

conservation. On the other end you have brilliant trends born out

the charming and rustic flair that comes with this striking industrial

of convenience and necessity. One such trend is the repurposing

look, especially when contrasted against more traditional building

of railroad containers as actual business structures. According

styles. This concept is on prominent display in the TI:ME at

to the Federal Railroad Adm. nationally, there are approximately

Montecillo community in west El Paso. Like a large scale industrial

one million flatbed train cars in use. And more than 7 million steel

Lego set, freight boxes have been stacked, aligned and set in

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rows in such a comfortable way as to allow a natural flow of wandering the dozen or so shops. Punctuated in perfect picturesque fashion in the middle of this charming retail oasis, is a trickle waterfall lining the roof of a … you guessed it … freight container.

As the water rains down on the retainer pond surrounding the box, the sound echoes and reverberates off of the metal sides of the containers throughout the shoppes. Quite the unexpected moment of zen. All of this while surrounded by the rest of the Montecillo’s more traditional, yet still striking, architecture makes for a study in contrast. Farz Farrokhnia, founder of Moms Fresh Juice Co., explains that this unique industrial aesthetic has actually brought many people in, allowing his products to reach more potential customers.

A few miles east, nestled in the heart of the still transforming downtown, you will find another example of the use of repurposed rail containers in The Coffee Box. A quaint, yet charming mounted arrangement of two twenty foot containers in the corner of a bank parking lot serving delicious coffee shop fare; the second story container being a very comfy sipping lounge with a beautiful view of downtown El Paso (especially in the evening).

So remember, the next time you pass by that neon bathed stretch of I-10 between the spaghetti bowl and downtown, that at any given moment in the rail yards just beyond, dozens of modular, pre-buildings are hauling their precious cargo to the four corners, just counting the days until a lucky few of them go on to a second life of becoming converted housing, a beachfront bar, a roadside organic veggie stand or even a hip coffee destination in downtown El Paso.

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PorkChops,

Winter, 2016

Biscuits and

(Oh

W

s TMayrt !)

| By: JESSE MAYNES |

inter months often conjure up images of families gathered around

the kitchen with plates of food, glasses of wine/scotch, and keeping

warm inside at all times. And if you’ve lived in El Paso long enough, it

also conjures up images of mountains of tamales. Since tamales are only

good for so long and there’s only so much you can do with leftover ham, I’ve put together some recipes that will spice things up in the kitchen.

Whether you stay in with your entire family, host a couple of close friends, or enjoy some down time by yourself, the kitchen is usually the room you spend most of your time in. For the experienced cook, or for the beginner, these dishes will be the perfect thing to try. There’s pork chops, a new spin on biscuits and gravy and even a goat cheese and pear tart because everyone loves cheese.

Wash your hands, pull your hair back, and embark on the delicious journey of creating edible greatness.

Enjoy!

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FOOD

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Pan Seared Pork Chop with an Arugula Fig Salad and Wild Rice Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F

2 inch pork chop Dried figs (5)

Add four cups of beef stock in a pan along with the wild rice. Bring to a boil on high

1/4 white onion (thin slices)

heat, reduce to a simmer and cover until cooked (roughly 35-40 minutes). Test to

Arugula (1 handful)

make sure rice is fully cooked, drain any remaining liquid with a fine mesh strainer.

Baby bella mushrooms (5 sliced thin) 1 cup red wine vinegar

While rice cooks, generously season your pork chop with salt and pepper. Coat a

5 1/4 cup beef stock

cast iron pan with oil until evenly distributed across pan. With you heat on high,

Parsley (fresh)

make sure the pan is smoking. Drop remaining tablespoon of butter into the pan

1 Tbsp. sugar

along with the pork chop directly on top of it. Let sear for roughly 3-4 minutes per

Salt/Pepper

side until nice crust forms. Using tongs, turn your chop on the side and allow all

3 Tbsp. flour

edges to sear as well.

2 Tbsp. sour cream 1 cup wild rice

Place entire cast iron pan in the oven and allow to finish in the oven, roughly 12-15

Slivered almonds (1 Tbsp. garnish, optional)

minutes, turning the pork half way through. Remove from oven and wrap pork in

Canola oil

foil and set aside.

4 Tbsp. butter Move your cast iron pan to the stove and set heat on medium high, add a drizzle of oil Directions:

to the pan and sautĂŠ your mushrooms while stirring often, when mushrooms begin

Place dried figs in a bowl with the red wine vinegar

to soften and shrink slightly, add your flour and stir with a whisk making sure that the

and let rehydrate (roughly 1 hour). Coat a pan with oil

mushrooms are coated with flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes to get rid of raw flour taste

and add three tbsp. butter, set on medium high heat.

then add your remaining beef stock in small amounts, stirring to evenly incorporate

Remove figs from red wine vinegar and slice to desired

into your mushroom/flour mixture. Once all the beef stock is in the pan, let reduce by

thickness, removing any stems that may be attached.

half while stirring. Remove from heat and add your sour cream while stirring.

Transfer figs to the pan along with the sliced white onions. Let cook until onions begin to brown, then

Take your fig/onion mixture and toss with your arugula, this will be your topping on

lower heat to medium low and add sugar. Cook on

the pork chop.

medium low until onions are soft and flavors combine, stirring often. Remove from pan and into a bowl, cover

Place a heavy spoonful of mushroom sauce on the plate with your pork chop

and refrigerate until cooled. (This can be done before

directly in the center of the sauce. Top with your arugula salad. Rice on the side and

hand up to a day in advance.)

top with slivered almonds.

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THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Winter, 2016

Biscuits & Green Chile Chorizo Gravy Ingredients: 1 can of biscuits 1/2 lb. pork chorizo 1/2 lb. pork sausage 1/2 cup minced onion 4 roasted & peeled green chiles, sliced 4 Tbsp. flour 2-3 cups milk (2%) Salt/pepper 2 Tbsp. Butter

RIOS & PARADA, PLLC

Green onion, vertically sliced.

Directions:

THE LAW

OFFICES OF

Prepare biscuits according to directions Cook chorizo and sausage in the same pan on medium high heat, until browned and evenly combined. Roughly 5-6 min. add onion and green chile halfway through. Do this while biscuits bake.

Add flour to pan, continually stir to evenly coat your pork. let cook for another two minutes.

✓ Immigration ✓ Personal Injury

Slowly add milk while whisking to uniformly combine and form your gravy. Let thicken to desired consistency on medium heat.

Place gravy over biscuits and top with green onion.

1505 E. Missouri Ave., El Paso, Texas 79902 915-532-2333

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Winter, 2016

THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Mulled Goat Cheese and Pear Tart with Apricot, Pancetta and Rosemary Ingredients:

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 package puff pastry dough (defrosted)

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

3 red Anjou pears, halved vertically

1/4 tsp. ground ginger

and then sliced thinly

1/4 tsp. ground clove

1/2 cup apricot jam

1 cup goat cheese, room temperature.

1/4 lb. pancetta, cubed

1 egg, beaten for egg wash

and pan fried till crispy

flour for dusting

Fresh rosemary (garnish)

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Combine goat cheese with mulling spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and ground clove) set aside.

Pan fry your pancetta till crispy, drain and set aside.

Place puff pastry dough on floured baking sheet Mix your apricot jam and spiced goat cheese together Leaving a 1 1/2 to 2 inch border, spread your jam and cheese mixture on the pastry dough.

Arrange your sliced pears overlapping each slice to show the pear skin and a little of the fruit.

Should fit 2 rings of pears, outer layer and inner layer.

Fold over the dough border that is left exposed, be gentle with it and try not to tear the dough.

Fold over as much as you can, making a thick border.

Using a pastry brush, lightly “paint” the dough with your beaten egg to create a golden and shiny glaze on the dough.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden and raised. Once removed from oven, if dough starts to sink, place back in oven for another couple minutes until completely baked.

Remove from oven and top with pancetta and fresh rosemary. Let sit to cool, cut to desired sizes and enjoy.

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OVER 2,000 RUGS FROM EVERY REGION OF PERSIA MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-6PM SUNDAY

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5446 N. Mesa St., Suite C El Paso, TX 79912 915.842.8414

91

A

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THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

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Winter, 2016

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94

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a i c u St. L Winter, 2016

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THE CITY SPACES HOME & DESIGN

Winter, 2016

WINTER SPACES 2016 Advertiser INDEX Angela Feathers, Realtor ................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 21 A-1 Kitchens by Sierra ....................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 82 Becky Nelson, Realtor ....................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 35 Cardenas & Elizondo, LLC ................................................................................................................................................. Pg. 23 Casa Buenavista ..........................................................................................................................................................Pgs. 14-15 Decasa Tile ........................................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 78 Definitive Homes ............................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 67 Designs by LL Power ........................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 78 Fortune Custom Homes ............................................................................................................................................Pg. 46 & 73 Highlands Rehabilitation Hospital ...................................................................................................................................... Pg. 23 KTSM NewsChannel 9 ........................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 9 Matthew Abraham Make Up Artistry ................................................................................................................................ Pg. 41 Myriam’s Faux Finish Studio.............................................................................................................................................. Pg. 47 Persian Rug Gallery ........................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 91 Pointe Homes ............................................................................................................................................................ Back Cover Rios & Parada, PLLC.......................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 90 Southwest Plastic Surgery ..............................................................................................................................Inside Back Cover Spectrum ........................................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 62 Tropicana Homes ............................................................................................................................................ Inside Front Cover Vanities ................................................................................................................................................................................ Pg. 1 Walgreens ...................................................................................................................................................................Pgs. 12-13 Wellness Simplified ........................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 21 Yari Orta-Rubio, Realtor ..................................................................................................................................................... Pg. 67

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