Fallbrook Old Town is new again

On Brandon Road between Alvarado Street and East Mission Road, Fallbrook Old Town consists of 23 uniquely shaped little buildings with character, nine of which are presently occupied. The smallest is 100 square feet, the biggest 1600 square feet. Originally built in the mid 70’s, the complex had fallen into disrepair but is now being brought back to life by Andrew and Diana Kressin.

The reason for the former condition of the property – their drug addiction issues – is now in the past as they have turned their lives around after turning to God and joining the faith community at St. Peter the Apostle Church. “Everything has changed because of God in our lives,” Diana said.

The Kressins, who recently took over the property from Andrew’s father, Thomas, have totally renovated the place. The units have been remodeled, rewired with individual meters and given new roofs. The landscaping has been replaced with drought resistant succulents and drip irrigation, and the parking lot has been repaved. They used local businesses to get the work done, including Concepts in Landscaping and Peter’s Paving.

The nine current tenants include a beauty supply business, a massage therapist, photographer, counselor, a printing company and the Fallbrook Citizens Crime Prevention Committee. The Fallbrook Scarecrow Committee is also using two units as they prepare for Scarecrow Days in October.

The most southern unit is going to be a healing room while the Kressins' daughter, Sarah, hopes to run a Christian bookstore and coffee shop nearby. Sarah attends Mira Costa College and works with the youth at St. Peter's along with the movie theater. [Their son Mathew is a sergeant in the U.S. Army.]

Andrew related some of the stories told to him by a former owner of the property, Charlie Pinckney, including one about the creation of Fallbrook Old Town. Pinckney told him that he had built the roof of the now largest building without walls in a bid to create the world’s biggest wind chime. He also built more roofs on stilts to give artists a place to create their art.

As the story goes, the county eventually caught up with Pinckney and he had to get a permit for his little structures and also add walls to them. The walls at that time were made of sheer wall planks, the first buildings being the ones at the back of the property (west side). Andrew said that the walls are now made of 2x4s and drywall, and are insulated.

The complex has two entrances/exits. Besides the bridge on Brandon, which crosses a year-round creek, there is a driveway off of East Mission, at the west end of Fallbrook Café’s parking lot. Twelve units are currently available.

The Kressins are giving Old Town Fallbrook a new life from the inside out. Anyone interested in more information about the units can call Andrew at (909) 746-3890.