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Khaledi's will not rebuild demolished Bruni-Vergara home, proposing duty-free store instead

By Ray Gomez

Story Created: Oct 16, 2009

Story Updated: Oct 19, 2009

The original plan was to rebuild the Lamar Bruni Vergara home brick by brick. The owners of the property are proposing a different venue, one that doesn't include any mention of rebuilding the historical building.

It’s been about a year since the home was demolished. The Khaledis met with the Webb County Historical Board and proposed to build a duty-free store:

"But what has been proposed is that the debris will be used in some fashion on a retaining wall or even the sidewalk of the new structure."

The proposed structure will be twice the size of the original historical home. Four members voted in favor of the structure, three against. Members decided to amend the proposal, asking the Khaledis to come back with some modifications.

"There are some people on the board that seem to be confused about the mission of the board. And that is to protect the architectural integrity of historic districts."

Margarita Araiza, director of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, says it’s shocking that other members are willing to consider this proposal.

"If somebody is allowed to destroy them at will with no consequences and then submit a proposal doubling the size of the original structure and getting everything they want in the first place."

The Khaledi's will return to the next historical board meeting with modifications. Members will vote on the modified proposal.