Photo Essay: Abandoned Rowhouses Tour

While photographing one of the most historic barrios in Tucson, known as Barrio Libre, my mother and I came across 3 homeless people. They were walking down a road lined with colorful row houses, carrying some groceries. After asking if we could photograph them, the older of the three-Michael (54), invited us to their "home". He said it was on 17th and Convent, and at that point, I instantly knew which place it was.

We followed them to their place, which is an abandoned set of row houses, built in the late 1800's. Michael had a key to the gate that locked the entrance to the back. He was very cordial and invited us back to see and photograph the place. He explained to us that a lawyer now owns the building and plans on restoring it. That lawyer lets Michael and the other two live in that abandoned place....kind of like caretakers.

The row houses sit on the street, just behind the sidewalk. As you enter the gate, and walk around to the back, there is a very large courtyard. The rooms are adjoined and form an "L" shape around the courtyard. The building is made of 18" thick adobe walls, which are still in great condition. The ceilings are made of saguaro ribs or packing crates, supporting three layers of dirt, straw, and more dirt. Some rooms have wood beams across the ceiling, and 4 inch fir planking across the floors, though most of the floors are now dirt. Many of the doors and windows are either missing or boarded up.

Michael and the others asked us to please look around and see the place. There is a room with a fireplace, that they use in the winter. The funny thing is, that in all its simplicity, and with what little they have, this was such a gem for them. They are proud of its history and all the things they find in and around the property. There are still bits of artwork on the walls...one of which is an old print of "Blue Boy". Somewhat ironic, knowing that Blue Blue was known as a "spoiled brat" who always got what he wanted. This print is still on the wall above the fireplace in the room where Michael and the others rest and keep warm. Another piece is an old photograph of the row houses and how they used to look.

Michael explained that he has lived there for several years and they still find pennies and antiques dated to the 1910's. He keeps these things, as they have more value to him then if he were to sell them.