BRIDGEPORT — Six weeks after Nathan Lichtenfeld bought one of the neighborhood's favorite laundromats, the building caught fire.
It was Nov. 1, 2014, and Lichtenfeld was in Michigan visiting a friend when he got the call. He returned home the next day to check out the damage at Coin Laundry, 1101 W. 31st St.
Though he felt overwhelmed with the news, Lichtenfeld didn't spend too much time worrying: "I'm an optimist," he said.
He was ready to rebuild.
On Wednesday, after about 18 months of work to restore and renovate the building, Lichtenfeld reopened the business as Bridgeport Express Laundromat.
Inside you'll find all brand-new equipment: 39 washers and 48 dryers.
There are washers small enough for two loads of laundry — and washers big enough for eight loads.
At Bridgeport Express, all machines are activated by a plastic card, similar to a credit card. If patrons put $20 on their card, they get a $2 bonus.
The laundromat also uses a reward system: For every $75 you spend on laundry, you get a $5 credit.
At the back of the building, you'll find a row of folding tables. Lichtenfeld plans to install televisions so patrons can catch some entertainment while folding clothes.
A landmark in Bridgeport since the 1960s, the laundromat had been a reliable stop for busy parents trying to take care of the dirty clothes while the kids are in school.
Neighborhood folks are glad to see its doors open again.
"Before it burned, I came here all the time," said Omar Soto, 33. "It's the biggest laundromat around."
Carolina Rubalcava started working at the laundromat in 1998. She's now one of the business' lead laundry attendants.
She's happy to be back at work.
"It's gorgeous," she said. "I missed my neighborhood."
Bridgeport Express is open from 5:30 a.m.-midnight during the week and from 5 a.m.-midnight on weekends.
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