While walking to the beach from our house I saw that the Laundromat had a new paint job with writing that says “Historical District”. I noticed right away that one of the pictures was the Abbott Row Houses. Our neighborhood has many Victorians in it although some were torn down in the 50′s. Carl’s parent’s were very into historical preservation. When they first came to Santa Cruz in the 60’s to retire,

they asked the realtor to take them to the poorest part of town where they could afford something. They bought a Victorian for $15,000 to live in. They fixed it up and planted trees up and down the street. A while later, the houses depicted on the Laundromat had been condemned and were to be torn down. They were just across the street from that first house. Carl’s dad made a wonderful decision. They bought them to save them from demolition. I’ve seen pictures. They were a mess! He began fixing them up. Carl’s dad passed away in 1973 but he was there for a lot of work and saw their promise. We are blessed for his decision. We have had a wonderful place to live, work, garden and raise our sons. Carl and I have been managing the houses for 26 years. We have met so many great folks living here. Many have been here since the kids were young.

Twenty six years ago Jorge Jara moved in next door and began doing restoration with Carl. They developed a wonderful working relationship and Jorge is like family. The restoration goes on ’til this day. Jorge does most of the work now and fortunately he loves it. The houses are like the Golden Gate Bridge There is always something to do!