A rare opportunity to tour some of downtown’s oldest historic buildings took place on Thursday, May 16, 2019.
“The Rio Grande City Main Street Program sponsored the tour to bring attention to and appreciation for these historical significant buildings in Rio Grande City’s Historic District,” said Nancy Perez, RGC Main Street and Business Development Coordinator. “We’re highlighting various preservation efforts done in restoring these structures that are important to our city’s history.”
Buildings toured included: the Headley-Edgerton Home, Doctors Clinic of Rio Grande City Office, R.E. Supplies, Solis La Caze Home, Xtreme Party, Ruben Cruz Home, exterior of LFD and the Garmon Theater, Kesley Bass Museum and Event Center and the Lopez-Tijerina Courtyard.
On hand at each of these sites, guests were welcomed and provided with information on family and building histories. John Edgerton, Dr. Patricia Laurel-Garza, Rosa Gonzalez, and Carolina Barrera remarked on the restoration challenges each faced processes used in their restoration and building maintenance efforts; each one unique as the building themselves. David Porras, who is currently president of the Kelsey Bass Museum Commission, provided information on the city’s restoration efforts of the Lopez-Tijerina Courtyard and the Kelsey Bass Museum. Ted Rivera, manager of Rio Grande City’s LFD, provided information on the restoration of Garmon Theater’s façade completed several years back. Gisela Leal spoke on their ongoing restoration efforts for the Solis La Caze Home and Jose Pena spoke on future restoration plans for the Ruben Cruz Home.
The Rio Grande City Main Street Program provides several services and assistance available to Main Street businesses including: Design Assistance from the Texas Historical Commission and much more. Rio Grande City Main Street also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.
The Rio Grande City Main Street Program provides many opportunities to get involved in downtown revitalization efforts. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to visit the Rio Grande City Main Street office at 408 E. Main Street or call (956) 488-0047.