Video: Catching up with Crazy Gideon
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Before there was an "Arts District," Gideon Kotzer moved his appliance and electronics empire to a warehouse on Traction Avenue in 1991. Since then the man better known as "Crazy" Gideon has taken a hammer to many a television set to show how mental instability can mean savings for you.
Recently, "Going out of Business" showed up on the front of the store building, which Koltzer hopes to convert to residential units.
Last year, Koltzer began the process of securing the entitlements needed to convert his warehouse and parking lot into new lofts apartments. Those permits are now in hand, though the plan has now changed from condo to rental and a timeline in uncertain.
As this video conversation shows, the veteran pitchman is ready to put his honed instincts to work in the residential game when the time comes.
Crazy Gideon Koltzer from blogdowntown on Vimeo.
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JonT on September 16, 2009, at 06:59PM – #1
Love the video feature. Great addition to the site. It's the first time I've seen it on here!
Tim on September 16, 2009, at 08:58PM – #2
I didn't know Crazy Gideons was still in business? Is it? Is it worth going to?
Rich Alossi on September 16, 2009, at 09:40PM – #3
Crazy Gideon is a piece of Southern California/Los Angeles history. How many times in high school did I watch him throw something into a T.V. at 2:00am?
"Computer, 599! TV, 399! I'M CRAZY!" You should've seen my face when I realized I lived near Gideon's store... it was like I won the jackpot -- or as if Larry H. Parker got me 2.1 million.
keith on September 17, 2009, at 07:24AM – #4
I've only been to his store once & that was eons ago.
Sandie Richards on September 17, 2009, at 10:44AM – #5
Gosh, I remember when the Museum of Neon Art was in a garage on Traction Ave. near Crazy Gideon's. Atomic Cafe, anyone? Anyone?
And just like Crazy Gideon, I love this place too!!!
Ed Fuentes on September 17, 2009, at 12:42PM – #6
Sandie FYI: The Atomic Cafe neon sign is on display at the Japanese American National Museum.
John Allen on September 17, 2009, at 03:43PM – #7
As a businessman, I have known Crazy Gideon since the late '80's, and just wanted to say, that the "crazy" persona that you see, is not at all what Gideon Koetzer is like. After the day was done, in a social setting, he is a normal family man, friend, and a top contributor to the health & wealth of downtown!
His store will be missed, but his new ventures will go on! Stack em deep and sell em cheap!!
Joe on September 17, 2009, at 06:07PM – #8
Didn't anyone tell Crazy Gideon that real estate is NOT the business to be getting into these days?
Dawn on September 18, 2009, at 08:42AM – #9
"If you want to buy for your mother a loft in Downtown LA" ha ha, awesome - I'm sold!
JonT on September 18, 2009, at 10:15AM – #10