CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICTS OF THE 2 LAREDOS

This study compares the spatial structure of commercial activities in the central business districts of Laredo, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Tam aulipas. Greatest variations were for the categories of medical office s and restaurants and bars, which were relatively more significant in Nuevo Laredo, and electronic-appliance outlets and clothing stores, wh ich had a higher percentage of commercial establishments in Laredo. Di fferences are attributed to both cultural and economic factors, includ ing the expanding transborder consumer market. Despite complex functio nal linkages, the two commercial cores remain distinctive places in ur ban form and landscape character.