Pygmy Pinscher Antiques Faces Uncertain Future
The landlord has told store owner Allen Hatch that the furniture and signs on the sidewalk outside his Franklin Village shop are a code violation, but he says he relies on them to draw customers.
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Update: As of Monday morning, Pygmy Pinscher Antiques owner Allen Hatch still doesn’t know what will become of his small Franklin Village antique store and repair shop. Hatch did not open his store over the weekend, but did receive another letter from his building’s management company reiterating their earlier requests. Patch will have more information on this story as details become available.
After several months of an escalating landlord dispute, Hatch is not sure whether he will be able to keep his shop open. He has been told by the apartment building's owner that he needs to remove all signs and furniture outside of his store. But Hatch said he is reliant on foot traffic, and if he removes all signs and furniture from the sidewalk, people will assume the store is closed and he will lose business.
It all came to a boiling point on Feb. 12, when Hatch said the building’s owner, Paul Cooper, came into the shop and insisted he look around. Hatch said he was surprised by the visit and felt intimidated by the landlord.
“He came in while I was on the phone with a customer and demanded that I hang up immediately,” said Hatch. “At first I didn’t even know who he was. He demanded to look through everything, even looking through some of my drawers.”
Soon after, the building’s management staff drafted a letter stating that the furniture on display and signs outside the shop would need to be immediately and permanently removed.
Initially, representatives at Cooper Properties, the management company that owns the building at the northeast corner of Franklin Avenue and Gower Street, had no comment about the situation. But Thursday afternoon, someone responded.
“Mr. Cooper simply wanted to have the furniture removed from the sidewalk,” said Anari DeSousa, the managing supervisor for Cooper Properties. “It’s a violation of city code to block the sidewalk.”
Hatch said he did not know he was breaking any rules by putting furniture from his store on the sidewalk—as he’s been doing for years. Several other Franklin Avenue shops (such as Native clothing store and Counterpoint Records and Books) place merchandise on the sidewalk.
But, according to Doug Mensman, assistant director of planning for City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who represents parts of Hollywood, said there is a difference between what Hatch was doing and the other Franklin stores' actions.
“Technically, you can’t really put anything in the public right of way,” said Mensman, referring to the city's municipal code. As for the other stores on Franklin selling their merchandise on the sidewalk?
“Most of those stores have a property line that extends beyond their front door. So even though it’s paved, it’s still considered property of the store.”
Pygmy Pinscher Antiques opened in 2007 and is open only on the weekends. During shop hours, Hatch usually places his colorful, handmade signs and a few pieces of furniture to attract customers.
“I’ve been in business at this location for almost four years and I’ve never had a complaint before this,” said Hatch.
People in the Franklin Village neighborhood have come out in support of the small antique shop. As word spread about Hatch’s situation with his landlord, friends, neighbors and customers put flowers and notes of support on the gate that leads to the basement-level shop.
“I really like having a shop like this in the neighborhood,” said Matthew Roiz, who lives just a few blocks away from the store. “Allen is a neighborhood fixture now. The things he sells are really well priced. Stopping by the shop is a regular weekend activity for me.”
But Hatch doesn’t believe that’s all the landlord wants, citing what he said were numerous sudden visits without the customary notice landlords are required to give. Hatch also described an out of the blue changing of the door locks, which he initially thought was someone trying to break into the shop.
“They gave me no notice of that,” said Hatch. “I arrived at the shop and saw someone jimmying with the door lock. I had no idea what was going on.”
DeSousa said that 24-hours notice is always given before entering a property.
“I really like this space, I really do,” said Hatch. “They just keep changing the rules and asking me to do more and more.”
DeSousa says that's not the case.
“We really like him as a tenant,” DeSousa said. “Other than the code violation, there has never been a problem."
As of now, Hatch says the shop might not be open this weekend because he’s been busy dealing with this dispute and hasn't had time to restock the store with furniture and other items. He wants to keep his shop running, and he isn’t ruling out changing locations.
“Without the furniture and signs out front, I’m not sure how I will get customers,” said Hatch. “I’m not sure what I’m going to do.”
Steven Carthy
7:47 am on Saturday, February 19, 2011
I hope your business is able to stay if you want it to. One suggestion is to create a wall hanging display that does not take up sidewalk space, even if it's not full pieces but much smaller stuff just to show that you are open. If your Landlord does not like the sight of this then you'll know that it's not really a safety issue that's got him on your case.
S Carthy
Taft Avenue
allen hatch
10:53 am on Sunday, February 20, 2011
S Carthy,
I want to negotiate, but maybe the owner has other plans for his space. It's just having to completely stop what I've been doing for 4 years and all the efforts to move and losing money from my efforts; Starting a store is, filling it merchadise, setting up cabinets, getting permits, promoting it, getting business cards and staionary printed, building up a regular clientel, etc. - it's all a loss now.
Allen Hatch
robbie wilson
8:46 am on Saturday, February 19, 2011
If the landlord has allowed the tenant the right to display in the past and it hasn't changed ownership then they should find a happy medium that will make both happy. Maybe the Landlord can pay for a well made sign that displays the furnishings the shop sells and the tenant can keep the sidewalks clear of furniture. Good luck, stress is an awful companion.
allen hatch
11:12 am on Sunday, February 20, 2011
Hi Robbie,
Thank you for your comment, as well. When Sarah said that she would write this article, I never dreamed anyone would even care. There are so many bigger issues out there. All these comments make me feel a little better during all this.
Allen Hatch
Brady Westwater
9:33 am on Saturday, February 19, 2011
The landlord's bizarre behavior in general does make it seem as if there is an ulterior motive to his sudden enforcement of the not placing merchandise on the sidewalk rule. But if the shop is in a basement and it is only open on weekends (and its entrance is behind a gate, which the photos make it seem to be), it will take some kind of mutual creative solution to fix the problem. If not, the only solution would be to move.
allen hatch
7:41 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Brady,
I've always stayed within the bounds of my lease. Everything that I've done, I've asked the building about first. I've always paid my rent. There's more than the Landlord is saying, but whatever it is, it started about 6-8 months ago.
Allen Hatch
Ken Becker
10:49 am on Saturday, February 19, 2011
I know that corner. That little shop has really improved the area. Without it, the building just goes back to being a crappy 75 unit apartment building, next to a halfway house and 500 feet from the homeless encampment, under the 101 / Gower street bridge. It's really sad.
allen hatch
10:44 am on Sunday, February 20, 2011
Hi Ken,
Thank you for your comment. I just wanted to make one point. I know I'm an antiques shop, but I've never had any trouble with either the halfway house or the homeless people. We were just the neighborhood mix. I was homeless, when I was younger and homeless people are just trying to survive- they're not the enemy.
Allen Hatch
resident90068
11:22 am on Saturday, February 19, 2011
If the LaBonge henchmen like Mensman would pay more attention to the real issues like traffic on Franklin, illegal parking and activities by the same stores he defends we would all be better off. If this little store was a big developer he would get anything he wants. In fact, how do we know the building owner doesn't really want to "redevelop" this corner and this is the first step. Get rid of LaBonge and his dirty money funded henchman.
allen hatch
7:55 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Resident90068,
I've been trying to think of a reply to your comment, for 2 days, but all I can think of is that maybe some of these readers can let the LaBonge office know about my plight?
Allen Hatch
Suzanne Olmsted
1:42 pm on Saturday, February 19, 2011
I have traveled south many times and often stop by this little shop. So much of California is new, shinny and not nearly as interesting as this little gem. I have found many items to buy and enjoy. I feel like I am in Paris or Amsterdam when I enter the store.
The landlord gives different answers and does not come across as telling the truth. I hope the rental agency stepped into something they didn't realize and back off. We need all this kind of culture we can get! I won't know what to do next time I am in Los Angeles!
Save the store!
allen hatch
10:57 am on Sunday, February 20, 2011
Suzanne,
I remember you. Thank you for coming into the shop. I'm going to miss all the people that I've met through the years. I really appreciate your commenting here.
Allen Hatch
Elizabeth Stanley
8:43 pm on Saturday, February 19, 2011
omg! furniture *maybe* i can see being in the way, but not even any signs? he might as well put that guy out of business officially! signs are harmless! the whole shop is harmless! why All of a Sudden is this even an issue? So sad! Allen should sue!
allen hatch
8:00 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for your thoughts!
Allen Hatch
Carrie Ackerman
6:17 pm on Sunday, February 20, 2011
This little shop is a gem and the furniture has never been in the way. I walk past this place almost every weekend. At most there have only been a few items of furniture and they've always been right up against the wall. Never a hazard in any way.
I remember when this place first opened the sign was so cute, it really dressed up this otherwise drab corner. I can't figure out why after all of these years the landlord is treating this business in such a way. If anything it only improves the neighborhood and makes that building more attractive. And that the council office is saying "“Most of those stores have a property line that extends beyond their front door. So even though it’s paved, it’s still considered property of the store.” I find that hard to believe. There is way more room to get around the furniture that Pygmy Pinscher puts out than what the other business put out.
allen hatch
7:33 am on Monday, February 21, 2011
Hi Carrie,
Thank you for your observations.
All the time I've been there, I have had no complaints. I wanted to give the people of my area, pride in their neighborhood. There's never been a 'Discount' Antique shop before. Antiques dealers make huge profits. I just wanted to afford everyone an opportunity to take home maybe their first heirloom antique. It has never been a thought, to impose myself or the shop, on the neighborhood. I kept an eye on the furniture so it would never be a harm to anyone. Remember my Antique shop is only open on Saturday and Sunday -never on a weekday.
(Someone named Carrie put a note that said 'Someone Loves you Mr. Hatch'- was that you? Anyways, it was very nice, if you did.)
-Allen
Withheld for fear of retaliation.
7:11 am on Monday, February 21, 2011
Anari De sousa has lied to the press. but then this is her MO so it is not surprising Both statements she made other than the code violation thing is a lie. The operation has gone into apartments without the mandatory 24 hour notice on a regular basis and there can be massive testimony to this fact. I addition, Cooper Properties has lied to Allen saying they have been sued because of his furniture. this is untrue. Cooper Ptoperties is now, after 4 years , charging Alle a fee that is only to be charged to a residential tenant. Totally against the law. Doing things that violate Tenant /Landlord law is nothing new for this owner.
allen hatch
7:49 am on Monday, February 21, 2011
Hi Wffor,
You sound like a tenant at 6075 Franklin. If you like you may contact me. Maybe there's a way to file a group complaint about this building managment. I've heard several horror stories, since all this started. My shop number is 323 463-1830.
-Allen (PygmyPinscherAntiques)
lou williams
12:37 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
It does sound as if Allen is being harrassed and I can't think of a motive. Code violations abound in this city and, as long as they are benign, no one complains. Even so, with good will, some kind of comprimise can be reached.
allen hatch
7:17 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Thanks Lou, for your thoughts.
Carrie Ackerman
1:41 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Hi Allen,
Just walked by your shop today and saw something very interesting. If you look at the building at 6061 Franklin which is right next to the building your shop is in you will notice that it sticks out about a foot and a half further than yours. That being the case it makes me think that your building is not all the way out to it's property line. You will notice a line on the side walk which is where I think your building property line is. It shouldn't be a problem for you to put furniture out just to this line. I also think the school sticks out further than your building and the restaurants definitely put seating out further into the side walk than your building. Please check in to this.
And I am not the Carrie that put the note on your sign. See how much you will be missed?
allen hatch
7:13 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Carrie,
I'd love to comment on this point, but it's been suggested that I don't right now.
Allen Hatch
kim barrett
6:35 pm on Monday, February 21, 2011
Mr. Hatch, you are being harrassed! Probably owner hopes to scare you out so he doesn't have to go to court. Has he actually filed an eviction case yet? For sure don't trust in Tom LaBonge, he says he's all for the arts, but he's all for the money and worse. His rep said the other shop owners don't seel merchandise from outside, of course they do: clothes, books, and yes the cafe tables go onto the sidewalk. I took the samw walk as the above poster. Also if owner wants to evict you without good cause he has to pay relocation, another thing he's trying to avoid via illegal tactics like entering without 24-hour notice. WHen he says "don't talk to tenants" that is because they have complaints about him too. We support you! a neighbor
allen hatch
3:31 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Kim,
Thanks for your thoughts. No filing as of yet, but I haven't done anything wrong yet. I mean he told me not to put signs and furniture out so I did not, after I was told. I got another letter today, he says, if I do anything wrong he's going to put me in jail, for a year. There's a point when too many threats just become silly. Thanks also for thinking of me.
-Allen
Heidi Maria Buhl
6:54 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Allen,
I have been part of the "neighbourhood/community" for over 10 years. A few years ago I found your shop by walking from the franklin village corner of restaurants & shops to the 101 Diner. I was pleasantly surprised to find you & this cool tiny little antique shop with a VERY hollywoodesque feel to it. As with many folks in the area, dropping in to see what was new became part of a weekly ritual on the week-end (as shop only open on Saturdays & Sundays). Your shop is the only bright happy thing in the otherwise VERY drab looking building (no loving touches to be seen on the building itself) - the little creative pieces of art to display your shop are beautiful & definitely painted with a touch of love & passion for hollywood & all things antique. There's always something interesting to find in your shop - and there's always something at an affordable price. There's also education & history to be found in your most loved little nook of a shop. I do not know much about laws & codes (I wish I did), but I feel most passionately about your shop remaining where it is. Something sounds VERY wrong & VERY fishy about the landlord trying to get rid of the the very much loved & adored Pygmy Pinscher!!! I truly hope our neighborhood can help to keep you here where you belong.
Heidi
allen hatch
7:10 pm on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Heidi Maria,
That is a very sweet and observant comment.
You are the reason I put the little shop together. The walkers, the characters, the curious, the artists and the people that wanted something to enjoy their weekend with. It's about having culture in the community. It's about a place you can take your freind or a child to forget about the real world for 10 minutes.
Anyways, Thank you for your comment. I'm doing whatever I can to save the Pygmy Pinscher. Wish me luck.
-Allen Hatch
Carson Weed
9:21 am on Monday, February 28, 2011
In hoping the landlord is reading...
I have recently been informed by the neighbors in our community that the Pygmy Pinscher antique store is in jeopardy of being closed down. I feel that this would be a tragedy to the close community that we share in the Beachwood Canyon area.
Every weekend as I walk down the street with my dog, Allen the owner is there to give us a smile and a friendly hello. His store is unique and filled with treasures that you do not find anywhere else in the neighborhood. Pygmy Pinscher gives the neighborhood some of the charm that attracted me here when I was looking to purchase a home on Carmen Avenue almost 14 years ago.
I ask you to please reconsider your choice and I feel that Allen and his quaint little store pose no threat to the neighborhood and only enhance the small town experience that we have come to share on Carmen Avenue that is so very rare in a city as large as Los Angeles.
-Carson Weed
allen hatch
1:45 pm on Monday, February 28, 2011
Thanks Carson,
It's very nice of you to say that. We'll have to se how this all turns out.
-Allen
Claire
5:55 pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Years ago when I noticed scenic windows at 6075 Franklin taken out with stucco and/or wood I recognized it as a borderline slumlord property. That's one of the "symptoms" of these owners who do the bare minimum to pass inspections. I am posting here because I just passed by and saw all the notes, flowers, cards were taken down. Hoping Mr. Hatch can confirm here that he is the one who made the choice to do that! Not Mr. Cooper, who is not the lawyer he claims to be btw. Cooper, you are looking worse and worse each day, as evidenced here by all the support for Allen Hatch, a beloved part of Franklin Village.
Yet Another Neighbor!
allen hatch
7:53 pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Hi Claire,
I was only able to go into the shop for about about 2 hours today. When I left at about 1 pm the flowers and cards were there. I didn't take them away.
-Allen Hatch
SUSANBANASHEK
1:18 am on Friday, April 8, 2011
allen hatch
PLEASE BRING ME UP-TO-DATE. I HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY WITH AILING FATHER AND CHAOTIC PROCESSION OF THERPISTS, FRIENDS AND RELATIVES. I AM IN AGREEMENT WITH PRECEDING COMMENTS. WILL YOU BE AROUND THIS WEEKEND SO I CAN SEE YOU?
SUSAN BANASHEK