fringe retail strip holds more than meets the eye
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Those unfamiliar with the outskirts of City West get out your maps.
Located across from the recently-constructed San Lucas Apartments on 7th Street between Hartford and Garland, sits a cluster of older storefronts on the verge of a revival.
The lineup of current tenants includes everything from a Thai restaurant to dry cleaners, to a clothing outlet peddling American Apparel garments from previous seasons. Most of these businesses have occupied the block for years, supported mostly by the long-standing Hispanic population.
As new developments bring more diversity to the area, naturally, the retail is beginning to follow suit.
One Silver Lake resident driven out of Echo Park by tripling rents has high hopes for the strip, and tells angelenic about his plans to make it more of a happening destination.
His name is Robert Martinez, owner of the trendy thrift store 2-BAD! which opened there last year. The charismatic shop owner, known in many local circles as “Rowbear,” lovingly calls this pocket of businesses “the last retail before you leave Downtown.”
“I plan on creating a Flickr account for everything on this part of 7th Street — calling it something like ‘W. 7th Street Gang!’ or just ‘I HEART W. 7th Street’,” relates Martinez. “The goal is to put faces out there of all who will let me photograph them, to show everyone what a cool and eclectic neighborhood we have.”
Though sales have been languid since his August 2007 arrival, Martinez keeps himself afloat by conducting internet sales and establishing a repore with those locals he wants to capture.
A carnival-style popcorn machine in the doorway is popular among young children in the neighborhood, and sidewalk chairs out front are usually filled with familiar customers.
This past weekend, Martinez extended friendly invitations to passing patrons to attend an afternoon pool party being held at Blue Velvet around the block. He generously lends a pair of sunglasses to one younger gentleman already on his way to the event.
Connections to the neighborhood don’t end there.
2-BAD! has even become a late-night pit stop for hookers grabbing last-minute “fuck me pumps” and wigs before disappearing into the nearby City Center Motel or Motel De Ville. (How’s that for filling a niche market?) The business owner gets a laugh out of telling the stories.
As much as Martinez loves the eclectic vintage oddities that bring so much color and character to his boutique, he realizes selling novelty collectibles isn’t the most profitable venture in a transitional community.
Plans to begin offering more purposeful goods such as contemporary styles of jeans, custom jewelry and one-of-a-kind tees are in the works. Bicycles may also become available for rent.
Martinez also makes known his intentions to open a new neighborhood cafe as part of an “expansion,” possibly extending into a space next door or moving completely into the vacant “Palentine” building on the corner.
“I don’t wanna call it an internet cafe, but it is something that people would recognize,” explains Martinez. “It will have free WiFi; dishing up some pizza from Los Angeles Pizza Company, fresh breads, spring-mix salads, sandwiches, and of course, fresh popcorn. We’ll also have an upright piano for those who want to play.”
He continues, “This is to be a neighborhood place. I really encourage crazy fun in a drug free zone!”
Martinez says the cafe may happen this year.
Adding to the mix is a brand new Korean-owned violin shop which reportedly hosts recitals in a rear performance room. Window displays for the store are still coming together.
Immediately next door, the now-defunct Quality Cafe (a remnant from the 1920s) and a faux “Pharmacy” storefront are used for frequent film shoots. Many budget travelers lodging at the historic Mayfair Hotel across the street can often be seen standing around curiously, perhaps waiting for a chance to spot a recognizable face.
Slim chance.
So far, there aren’t any Hollywood-types hanging around these parts. But in five years, with people like Martinez taking an interest in the “hood,” who knows what may happen. All it takes is one pioneering business — and a good restaurant.
2-BAD!
1228 W 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
323-605-8004
flickr.com/twobadonsunset
twobadonsunset@yahoo.com
2-BAD!’s eclectic interior
A couple of sofas in the middle of the shop welcome repeat customers
Other businesses on the strip include a beauty salon, dive bar and liquor store
Still a magnet for drug dealers and prostitution, the Motel DeVille has undergone extensive renovations and has been placed on the market For Sale by the owner.
33 comments
My wife will definitely want to check out those pumps.
great story thanks Stephen
I’m gonna have to check it out for myself and drag one of my friends along.
oohhh another place for me to spend money on more things I really don’t need
….as a forlorn new yorker who lived in the mayfair for 10 months, robert from 2-bad! was the closest thing to a new york neighbor i had. he swept the sidewalks every morning, gregariously would offer chairs he was displaying for sale as seats to the mere passerby and engage in conversation, and hosted an outdoor cigar nights on said chairs with local neighbors and other guests from the mayfair. robert and his store defined my experience of los angeles and i will be curious to return to west 7th street in a few years to see how his influence has shaped the neighborhood….
Nice work swine!
Thanks Stephen. Will definitely check out Motel De Ville this weekend!
I love Robert and the 2Bad store! I dress for success out of this store, and have gotten so many compliments on my looks! Good luck to you Robert, hang in there, your store is GREAT! E.
I’ve been to this amazing store. I could stay for hours browsing through the many unique items. The owner Robert is a very cool guy who also makes uniques jewelry for sale. Definitely check out this shop, it’s well worth the trip(even with gas prices).
Beside the great view of downtown LA, Rob’s store is the other eye candy. That rare accessory to complete my outfit, that oh-so-cute loft accessory to complete the interior, or Rob’s even “my gay accessory” to art openings and Laker games! Let’s see I’ve brought purple crocodile italian boots, a cowboy hat, vintage nitegown with fur, blown glass ashtray…………………………….
Robert & 2-Bad on Sunset RAWKS ! ! !
The area getting to be more fun place to hangout,other fun thing is to see the drunken bellcaptain at mayfair hotel!
Robert and 2-bad has given W7th St the face-lift it has always needed. Love this store, and look forward to the cafe in the near future.
I will be here to support, Good-luck!
leigh-anne
Robert has amazing stuff! Especially that Rocky Balboa picture - oh, I want it so bad!
Everyone should support 2-Bad and Robert in his quest to make a difference.
ANY GOOD GAY BAR?
Is Robert’s shop for gay or straight?
Hey guys and gals stop by and on a good day you might find out what your looking for. I also have my collection of Tandems and Vintage Bikes for rent. Why not rent a bike and hit the Happy Hour scene Downtown LA? Or go east and ride around the lake at MacArthur Park? There is always the Silver Platter for the daring>? Good luck ! Robert
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twobadonsunset/
http://losangeles.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs
http://www.thrillist.com/join-up-custom-new.php?edition=Sub_LA&tag=Drinks&landing_id=872&gclid=CMyGp7jl75UCFRNOagodHHT1ew
http://losangeles.citysearch.com/search?geo_id=542440&query=bars&_t=4
Or go east and ride around the lake at MacArthur Park? Opps I ment West to MacArthur Park!
Bike to Macarthur Park ARE YOU CRAZY!
Hello with a name like Coochie Cutter I guess you have no Balls? 2-BAD!
Coochie Cutter…Yes…bike to McArthur Park. (Just remember to kick off those great-looking-but-impractical-for-biking fuck-me heels you just bought at 2-BAD’s!) Hehehe.
Hehe but Ouch! BURN? 2-BAD!
I came by just to look but found some great stuff at a great value. Thanks Robert for some great had to find stuff. Had a great time shopping your store. David & Laura, Huntington Beach, CA
Good morning! Robert here from 2-BAD! HELP! Im looking for another location? Any of you out there with empty retail shops give me a shout. Thanks From 2-BAD!
NO MORE 2-BAD FROM ROBERT ON 7TH ST,THAT’S TOO BAD!!!ROBERT TRY WEST HOLLYWOOD OR SLIVERLAKE,THERE YOU’LL FIND ALOTS OF GAY CLIENTS!OK ROBERTO!
ROBERTO,TRY TJ GOOD FOR YOUR GAYDAR STUFF’S!
Hey
Angelo’s I am moving from W. 7Th st to Temple and Union next to the Tribal cafe. http://www.tribalcafe.com/ I’m also being interviewed on http://killradio.org/ today at 10:00am . Thanks from 2-BAD!
Robert was a big pain on the block,i’am happy he moved!
what happened to your store front? where are you and how do i find you i didnt email that obnoxiou thing dont know who did probably toyo. i moved too see you maybe again soo.
Thanks for the Fuck Me Pumps,Rob!
I haven’t had much luck,but I have faith in the apple sauce Gods,moons
and earths, that my luck will change…
Bless and Big Up,to 2BAD!
Hello Gory, Lost souls always find angles in the City. Hi there to all ,!New location and and Email Address.
1651 W. Temple LA CA 90026 USA / Robert 323-605-8004
twobadontemple@yahoo.com
Im next door to the Tribal Cafe.
Thanks for your interests. And cash is great!
Big 2-Bad Event On Sat from Noon till 7:00 Pm in the Back Parking lot.Open to all.
http://www.angelenic.com/771/fringe-retail-strip-holds-more-than-meets-the-eye/
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=tribal+cafe+la&ei=utf-8&fr=b1ie7
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twobadonsunset/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2-bad_bikes/
http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=La+&state=CA&address=1651+W+Temple+&zipcode=90026
The Sorceress of Dark Enchantments will be available 12 Noon-7pm at 2-BAD! on Saturday MARCH 21st for psychic readings interpreting Tarot Cards & performing other magickal divinations {donations accepted}
C’mon down, y’all!
NewLocation for 2-BAD!. On Mothers Day . An event for the Owner from The Onyx ” John leech” Location Tribal cafe and 2-BAD! EchOPark. Location W. Temple and Union, is Now being called by hipsters THE “Tribal Junction” ( EchOPark!). This is a Memorial for John. Starting around 3:00 pm on Sunday . Ending kinda late if you know what I mean!
Thanks From 2-BAD! Robert
Hi my event is this Sunday, its music and art and Brunch. Chill day including Vintage oddities form my shop 2-BAD Vintage Echo Park!
More info included in website link! I hope to see you there!
thanks in advance Robert from 2-BAD! 323-605-8004
http://www.wix.com/2badvintage/2bad
http://www.flickr.com/photos/twobadonsunset/
http://www.myspace.com/2badvintage