RISING FROM THE ASHES

Feb 3rd, 2003

Just one year ago fire destroyed the gulf City Cleaners building at the Loop on Airport Blvd. Tuxedos hanging next to the front window ready for Mardi Gras pick-up melted, customers clothing in plastic bags and in bins for cleaning burned, as did the cleaning equipment. For owner Leonard Allen, it was a disaster. But, Allen didn?t give up. He gave cash refunds to his customers who lost their clothing in the fire and began what became a year long effort to rebuild and re-open.

Allen is open again and is celebrating Gulf City Cleaners 100th birthday. Mayor Mike Dow and City Councilman Reggie Copeland congratulated Allen at his official re-opening celebration Monday, February 3, 2003.