El Paso's Very Own Sugar House

If you live in the neighborhood around Leavell Street, or ever use 54 South, you have seen this place a zillion times. Here is the story behind it.

A house that sits right in the area where the line between Central El Paso and Northeast El Paso blurs is loaded with some beautiful artwork that has been recognized locally and nationally. No sugar though ... it's pretty much all cement.

The "Sugar House", otherwise known as the "Casa de Azucar", is located at 4301 Leavell just north of Fred Wilson, between Fred Wilson and Chapin High School.

It has been covered a number of times by travel sites like Trip Advisor, Roadside America and Atlas Obscura just to name a few.

It's been a labor of love for the artist and homeowner Rufino Loya Rivas, as all his work has been to honor his wife and his Catholic faith.

He began in 1973, after teaching himself the art of masonry, to honor a promise to his wife that he would transform their "horrible" ... his description, according to spacearchives.org ... home into a place of beauty that would make her proud.

He worked steadily for around 30 years on the creations that now surround his home and draw in the curious.

The home and its artwork are easily visible from the street though much of Mr. Rivas' art lies within the perimeter walls. It is a private residence so, if you visit, please accord the home and its occupants all due respect and privacy.