Green Door Opens as Crazy Gideon Development Awaits Market Turn
Ed Fuentes
New retail in the Arts District: Green Door Hydro has opened in the Crazy Gideon warehouse building.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — “It's a tough time. Banks aren't working with you!” said “Crazy” Gideon Kotzer this week while updating blogdowntown on entitlements to adapt his Arts District warehouse to live/work units. Despite being one step away on approvals, it will be a while before anything happens at 830 Traction. A downsized store remains open, despite the "Going Out of Business" signs.
The newly-available Traction frontage has become home to Green Door Hydro, a shop selling hydroponic and solar indoor gardening equipment.
Bamboo stakes and areo jet trays made for loft or rooftop gardens are sold alongside nutrients and environmental controls.
But just what kind of urban gardeners are being targeted here? The shop's promotional postcard advertises "discreet delivery," and just this morning it became a fan of the Showtime series "Weeds" on Facebook.
Still, the service could be valuable for those worried more-informed neighbors might help themselves to your eco-friendly vertical garden.
As for the rest of the building, upper floor space is now being rented as artist studios. Last week, the City Council's planning committee approved plans that would allow Kotzer to create 75 live/work units, including 52,000 square feet of new construction and a rooftop pool. Council should issue final approvals in the next few weeks.
Amanda Leon (@LoveableLion) on December 11, 2009, at 01:19PM – #1
Anybody that has watched the special features on the Weeds DVDs knows that hydrophonic stores are there to help you grow "tomatoes" ;)
BaddicusFinch on December 11, 2009, at 02:59PM – #2
I'm sure GD Hydro will stock Humboldt Organics gardening products...for tomatoes, right?
Robert on December 11, 2009, at 11:20PM – #3
Actually,
You may be surprised what we at Green Door have been up to in the past 4 weeks:
We are assisting a USC Business School Graduate in the construction and set up of a hydroponic-themed eating establishment.
We have supplied nutrients to the VA for an aquaponic strawberry display
Several local Sci Arc students constructing hydroponic demos for classroom projects have dropped in and received consultation.
We carry a small line of studio expendables as well, and if you bring your power bill in we can provide you with a Solar Pane Installation Consultation, to see if it would really be worth it to go green.
Might be a good idea to come check us out....................
Jeremy Hansen on December 13, 2009, at 08:10AM – #4
What are the hours of the new store? Drove by this weekend and it looks like a great shop. I was happy to see the Bloom nutrient ad in your window. Expensive, but really great nutrients. Hopefully you'll be carrying Eel River Hydroponics products as well.
I'm interested in trying a coco grow actually...any chances you'll be getting any of the canna coco stuff?
Brian on December 16, 2009, at 08:48PM – #5
A hydroponic themed eating establishment? I think it should be called "Munchie's"
LEONARD DURAN on January 12, 2010, at 02:37PM – #6
I AM HAPPY TO SEE GREEN DOOR HYDRO OPEN AND IN BUSINESS. THE PEOPLE THERE ARE VERY HELPFUL AND SELL TOP OF THE LINE PRODUCTS FOR ALL YOUR GROWING NEEDS. THANKS GREEN DOOR TEAM FOR ALL YOUR HELP.
LEONARD