The annual event will feature homes ranging from entry-level properties to luxury custom builds during two weekends of public tours

Amanda Dominguez, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - For nearly 50 years, the region’s top builders have opened their doors for the New Mexico Construction Alliance Showcase of Homes. This year’s event features 17 newly built homes spanning entry-level to luxury, open for tours during two weekends in late May and early June.

Presented by Citizens Bank of Las Cruces, the Showcase gives residents an opportunity to walk through completed homes built by local contractors across the city. This year’s homes span four price tiers, beginning around $200,000 and reaching up to $900,000.

Homes will be open May 30-31 and June 6-7, with Saturday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday hours from noon to 4 p.m.

One of the highlights of the Showcase is the annual awards ceremony, in which judges selected by participating builders recognize standout work in categories such as best kitchen, best floor plan and the People’s Choice Award across multiple builder tiers.

Campos y Casas: Functionality, family and the dream of homeownership

Among the featured builders this year is Campos y Casas, a Las Cruces-based company founded by husband-and-wife team Ruben and Connie Campos.

Ruben Campos began working in construction alongside his uncle at age 17 and has spent years learning the trade from the ground up. Six years ago, he and Connie launched Campos y Casas, building custom homes throughout southern New Mexico. Connie also works as a local real estate agent, giving the couple experience in both construction and homebuying.

Their Showcase home is located at 4265 Esterlina Place.

Functionality is a major focus for the company, with homes designed to make efficient use of space while reflecting the needs and preferences of each customer. Connie Campos said she regularly attends national builder shows to stay current on trends shaping the market.

She said warmer natural tones are beginning to replace the cooler grays that dominated recent years, while buyers are also moving away from fully open floor plans and increasingly requesting multi-generational living spaces and additional built-in storage.

Campos said the company takes time to listen closely to what customers want before beginning the building process.

Like many builders, Campos y Casas faces challenges tied to fluctuating material costs, rising fuel prices and a shortage of skilled labor trades. Still, Ruben Campos said the company’s mission extends beyond construction and focuses on helping local families achieve homeownership.

The couple also sponsors community events, including the Special Olympics, and serves on local committees and boards. They said they value Las Cruces for its small-town atmosphere and strong sense of community.

Arista Home Builders: Craftsmanship, relationships and homes built for a lifestyle

Arista Home Builders is another familiar name returning to the Showcase, where the company has earned multiple awards in previous years.

Owners Michael and Crystal Fraembs said Arista focuses on custom homes that blend energy efficiency, smart-home technology and detailed craftsmanship. Their Showcase home is located at 6711 Fairchild Loop.

Crystal Fraembs said no two Arista floor plans are alike, and buyers are encouraged to personalize their homes throughout the process. The company even offers walk-throughs before walls are completed so customers can weigh in on details such as outlet placement and room configuration.

She said today’s buyers often arrive well prepared, having researched the housing market and developed a strong understanding of what they want before beginning the process.

For the Fraembses, the work is as much about relationships as construction itself. Michael, a Las Cruces native with 25 years in the industry, and Crystal said some of their most meaningful experiences have come through long-term relationships built with customers over the years.

Crystal Fraembs said one of the most rewarding aspects of the business is seeing customers’ ideas come to life.

The couple said they appreciate Las Cruces for its slower pace, friendliness and sense of community.

Amanda Dominguez is an Organ Mountain News intern through Doña Ana Community College, supported by a Community News Transformation Grant from the Journalism + Design Lab at The New School and the New Mexico Local News Fund.