Long live the Manor

by haplin hills
staff writer

For more than two years, residents of what was affectionately titled “The Manor” had been fostering art, community and faith for PLNU students and the surrounding Point Loma area. From theatrical productions in the backyard to musical performances inside, they graciously opened their doors time and time again.
But has all that changed since they were forced to change location?
Not in the least, they say.
The move was “insane,” tenant and senior Jeff Allen said. “[It was] similar to trying to organize a toy store blindfolded.” It took almost two days of nonstop packing, lifting, sorting, driving—moving, tenants said. But they fought through and are now finally settled into what they plan to make the setting of a new stage of life.
True, the new place on Wildwood Road may not have as grand of a backyard as the original Manor did. True, it is going to take a while to get used to, just like last time. True, longtime Manor resident and creator of the up-and-coming literary publication Manor House Quarterly, Dane Cardiel, has moved downtown. A lot of things have changed.
However, Allen said they are moving full force with “the same game-plan as before.”
Tenant and senior Josh Rap said what’s up first for this house is “probably a name change.”
But, as the tenants assumed they would, ideas on how to make the house a home started to flow. The garage is perfect for a video game room/home theater. The living room and accompanying rooms could easily fit 40 people for a gigantic dinner. Already some of the former excitement of the Manor is starting to rekindle.
Cardiel said via e-mail that even though he is not living with the rest of the Manor tenants, he is not letting up with Manor House Quarterly.
“The future holds a lot of coffee dates,” Cardiel said. “[It] will involve a lot of work building relationships with artists, writers [and] organizations as we steer a collective vision for San Diego.
“There are some great organizations in San Diego—So Say We All, MCASD, Sezio, San Diego Writers Ink, Coffee and Tea Collective, etc. Each of these organizations has ideas and visions as to how this community should grow into its potential. I think what San Diego is craving is a cohesive vision from these organizations that unites all of these people.”
A tenant of the new Manor location, Sean Sand (who was among the very first to live in the Manor), said the main goal of the house will remain that of hospitality. Whether it is high school students from the local youth group (where Sand and Allen volunteer) or college student acquaintances, he wants their home to be a place where everyone can feel welcome.
Looking to the more distant future, the tenants said they hope the new home will be a place where the legacy of the Manor will continue. Sand expressed the vision that this home could be a place for PLNU students to come live for a while and filter in and out, all the while contributing to the loving and welcoming community it has become.