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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: Pollux on January 10, 2009, 01:48:32 PM

Title: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 10, 2009, 01:48:32 PM
So out of curiosity I used Google's MAPS and typed in Gold's Gym address (1006 Pacific Ave. Venice, Ca.) where Arnold Schwarzenegger use to train, and when checking out Goggle's "street view" it shows the building covered with a tarpaulin as if it has FINALLY seen it's last days.

No longer can you drive by or visit this historical building.  :'(
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Megalodon on January 10, 2009, 02:11:38 PM
That street view panorama was taken a while ago. The scaffolding has been down for months. They did relatively small renovations to the front of the building but left the little area where it says "Gold's Gym" the way it was.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Meso_z on January 10, 2009, 02:44:15 PM
So out of curiosity I used Google's MAPS and typed in Gold's Gym address (1006 Pacific Ave. Venice, Ca.) where Arnold Schwarzenegger use to train, and when checking out Goggle's "street view" it shows the building covered with a tarpaulin as if it has FINALLY seen it's last days.

No longer can you drive by or visit this historical building.  :'(

Arnold must be such an asshole, he should have done something to "save" that building. historical building indeed.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: G o a t b o y on January 10, 2009, 02:51:01 PM
Arnold must be such an asshole, he should have done something to "save" that building. historical building indeed.


He wouldn't even have to spend his own money...  I'm sure as governor he could get some sort of "historical preservation" bill through and use state money.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: saucetradomous on January 10, 2009, 02:52:20 PM

He wouldn't even have to spend his own money...  I'm sure as governor he could get some sort of "historical preservation" bill through and use state money.

Mainstream society would call him selfish
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: G o a t b o y on January 10, 2009, 02:53:19 PM
Mainstream society would call him selfish

They already think he's selfish...  who cares?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Bluto on January 10, 2009, 02:55:13 PM
Yes... and one day google wont find getbig either and people will talk to eachother via holograms what an asshole Ron was who didnt save it somehow

Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: saucetradomous on January 10, 2009, 02:58:58 PM
They already think he's selfish...  who cares?

His publicist!
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Mons Venus on January 10, 2009, 03:02:55 PM
They already think he's selfish...  who cares?

I care for all people! :-*
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Straw Man on January 10, 2009, 03:04:00 PM

He wouldn't even have to spend his own money...  I'm sure as governor he could get some sort of "historical preservation" bill through and use state money.

not even remotely likely given the current budget crisis

a better chance would be city or county funds but even that is probably remote at best
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: artlaw on January 10, 2009, 03:35:03 PM
The original Gold's Gym on Pacific has been gone for at least 10 years, maybe 15 or more. Get over it guys.  The very large replacement is a few blocks away on Hampton Street.  It is corporate owned, but still a great place to work out.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Megalodon on January 10, 2009, 03:40:42 PM
The original Gold's Gym on Pacific has been gone for at least 10 years, maybe 15 or more. Get over it guys.  The very large replacement is a few blocks away on Hampton Street.  It is corporate owned, but still a great place to work out.

The original has been gone since around 1980. There was a second one before the current(third) one on Hampton.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 10, 2009, 04:22:35 PM
The original Gold's Gym on Pacific has been gone for at least 10 years, maybe 15 or more. Get over it guys.  The very large replacement is a few blocks away on Hampton Street.  It is corporate owned, but still a great place to work out.

STFU, convict!
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 10, 2009, 04:26:11 PM
That street view panorama was taken a while ago. The scaffolding has been down for months. They did relatively small renovations to the front of the building but left the little area where it says "Gold's Gym" the way it was.

You're probably right about when the "street view" was taken. I remember reading something about the building being renovated but left the Gold's Gym lettering.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Emmortal on January 10, 2009, 05:37:50 PM
not even remotely likely given the current budget crisis

a better chance would be city or county funds but even that is probably remote at best


Exactly.  California is bankrupt.  We just found out we're probably going to be getting IOU's for our tax returns, yay!
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: pumpster on January 10, 2009, 06:00:34 PM
Arnold must be such an asshole, he should have done something to "save" that building. historical building indeed.

Exactly.  California is bankrupt.  We just found out we're probably going to be getting IOU's for our tax returns, yay!


Agree entirely, could've been done long ago. Would also include Weider and other prominent players who could've helped with a solution. "Pollux" relates to and worshps said assholes. ;D

California's dire situation's irrelevant; no public funding's possible or needed-wouldn't take much for A (for asshole) to make it in to some type of Planet Hollywood for BB, with a restaurant/memorabilia motif that could generate some degree of self-sustaining revenue. He could do it himself or get others in the industry to help, in the same way he was part of a Planet Hollywood investors group.

In the meantime it ain't goin nowhere, it's still a desirable venue.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: James Phoenix on January 10, 2009, 06:40:00 PM
Where's beefyheavyweight with the inside scoop?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 10, 2009, 07:08:16 PM
"Pollux" relates to and worshps said assholes. ;D

Thousands and thousands of Arnold fans can't be wrong.  ;)
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Tre on January 10, 2009, 07:20:29 PM

Why does it matter anyway?  As a brand, Gold's Gym is completely dead anyway.

Does *anyone* like a corporate sellout?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 10, 2009, 07:31:09 PM
Why does it matter anyway? 

Because it's a historical landmark in this so-called sport we call bodybuilding. Oh, and Arnold Schwarzenegger trained there.  ;D
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: wnybodybuildingfan on January 11, 2009, 05:24:51 AM
Here is a pic.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: wnybodybuildingfan on January 11, 2009, 05:30:16 AM
Here is a pic.
Here is from another angle.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Tapeworm on January 11, 2009, 05:45:43 AM
WE ARE RENOVATING GOLD'S GYM TO REINSTATE THE MAJESTY OF YESTERYEAR.  ALL DONATIONS OVER $100 WILL HAVE THEIR NAME INSCRIBED ON A PLAQUE. 

DONATIONS OVER $1000 GET THEIR OWN PLAQUE.

DONATIONS OVER $5000 WILL BE INVITED TO THE OPENING TO MEET ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER AND THEIR PHOTO WILL REMAIN ON THE WALL!


PM ME FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO CONTRIBUTE.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Mars on January 11, 2009, 05:59:28 AM
(http://english.aljazeera.net/mritems/Images/2008/4/22/1_246224_1_3.jpg)
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 11, 2009, 07:02:17 AM
 :'(

(http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=257377.0;attach=298361;image)
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Tapeworm on January 11, 2009, 07:08:28 AM
:'(


Bodybuilding is a state of mind Pollux!  Buildings will crumble, but the spirit endures!
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: BEEFYHEAVYWEIGHT on January 11, 2009, 08:00:07 AM
So out of curiosity I used Google's MAPS and typed in Gold's Gym address (1006 Pacific Ave. Venice, Ca.) where Arnold Schwarzenegger use to train, and when checking out Goggle's "street view" it shows the building covered with a tarpaulin as if it has FINALLY seen it's last days.

No longer can you drive by or visit this historical building.  :'(
Hello Pollux. I can assure you that the original Golds gym on Pacific ave is still there. The sign on the top front of the building is still visable. It still looks just like the pictures posted below. The inside of the building is actually a post modern home. The entrance is in the back alley. The owners are a husband and wife that really love the Golds logo and they know that it is legendary, so dont worry.
      How do I know this. Because I live 3 blocks from the place and I drive past it every day. And the owners were interviewed in a local Venice magazine last year about their new home. Fuck all of these morons who are posting bullshit info on your question. They dont know shit.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 11, 2009, 08:32:35 AM
Hello Pollux. I can assure you that the original Golds gym on Pacific ave is still there. The sign on the top front of the building is still visable. It still looks just like the pictures posted below. The inside of the building is actually a post modern home. The entrance is in the back alley. The owners are a husband and wife that really love the Golds logo and they know that it is legendary, so dont worry.
      How do I know this. Because I live 3 blocks from the place and I drive past it every day. And the owners were interviewed in a local Venice magazine last year about their new home. Fuck all of these morons who are posting bullshit info on your question. They dont know shit.

Thanks! I knew about a couple owning the building and preserving the Gold's Gym lettering, but how do you know it's a "home" now?  ???

I mean, even the front of the building is covered with concrete and no windows.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 11, 2009, 08:33:54 AM
WE ARE RENOVATING GOLD'S GYM TO REINSTATE THE MAJESTY OF YESTERYEAR.  ALL DONATIONS OVER $100 WILL HAVE THEIR NAME INSCRIBED ON A PLAQUE. 

DONATIONS OVER $1000 GET THEIR OWN PLAQUE.

DONATIONS OVER $5000 WILL BE INVITED TO THE OPENING TO MEET ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER AND THEIR PHOTO WILL REMAIN ON THE WALL!


PM ME FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO CONTRIBUTE.


Don't bullshit me. Is this what's REALLY going on?  ???
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Megalodon on January 11, 2009, 08:53:14 AM
Thanks! I knew about a couple owning the building and preserving the Gold's Gym lettering, but how do you know it's a "home" now?  ???

I mean, even the front of the building is covered with concrete and no windows.

They have sky lights on the roof. You can see it on Google Earth or other satelite map programs. There are windows in the back over the parking area. Like was mentioned the owners spoke of their home in the magazine article.

I've driven by it in 2009.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: YoungBlood on January 11, 2009, 09:00:30 AM
Thanks! I knew about a couple owning the building and preserving the Gold's Gym lettering, but how do you know it's a "home" now?  ???

I mean, even the front of the building is covered with concrete and no windows.

I remember someone on IronAge, stating that he bought Golds and wanted to turn it into a house- this was a year or two ago. I think his names was "GoldsGymGuy" or similar. Don't quote me on that.
Could be my memory, but I seem to remember the guys real ID as being Ken Kuehn...spelling may be off, but the desk guy from one of the Golds Gyms.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Megalodon on January 11, 2009, 09:07:45 AM
I remember someone on IronAge, stating that he bought Golds and wanted to turn it into a house- this was a year or two ago. I think his names was "GoldsGymGuy" or similar. Don't quote me on that.
Could be my memory, but I seem to remember the guys real ID as being Ken Kuehn...spelling may be off, but the desk guy from one of the Golds Gyms.

Former Gold's owner Ken Sprague is 'Oldgoldsguy'. I don't know if he ever wanted to re-buy it.  It's a non-bodybuilding related couple that owns it.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: YoungBlood on January 11, 2009, 09:09:22 AM
Former Gold's owner Ken Sprague is 'Oldgoldsguy'. I don't know if he ever wanted to re-buy it.  It's a non-bodybuilding related couple that owns it.

That's it. I'm getting old, gotta start drinking prune juice I guess. :(
Waws it Sprague that started the conversion to the house though>?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Megalodon on January 11, 2009, 09:13:30 AM
That's it. I'm getting old, gotta start drinking prune juice I guess. :(
Waws it Sprague that started the conversion to the house though>?

Yes, he mentioned that his family lived there in the late 70s. I think he said his son's room was where the squat rack (Corney/Arnold PI squat workout scene) was.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: YoungBlood on January 11, 2009, 09:16:52 AM

I used to check IA daily.....then got bored with it for a few reasons. Last time I checked in, that was the stuff going on- Sprague talking about how he was converting the gym and whatnot.
Good stories.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: gymguy on January 11, 2009, 09:43:49 AM
Just goes to show how bad this board has become.  One would think that there would have to be some members who actually live in or near the mecca who would be able to confirm whether or not the Gold's is still there.  I live in Miami, but travel to LA 5 or 6 times a year. Next time I am there, I will investigate for myself.  The jokers on this site have no idea.  After all, most of them aren't even old enough to drive.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Megalodon on January 11, 2009, 09:47:29 AM
Just goes to show how bad this board has become.  One would think that there would have to be some members who actually live in or near the mecca who would be able to confirm whether or not the Gold's is still there.  I live in Miami, but travel to LA 5 or 6 times a year. Next time I am there, I will investigate for myself.  The jokers on this site have no idea.  After all, most of them aren't even old enough to drive.

Read through all the posts. I drove by there 5 days ago. It is still there.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: YoungBlood on January 11, 2009, 12:13:35 PM
Read through all the posts. I drove by there 5 days ago. It is still there.

As did BeefyHeavyWeight, ro 5 other posters.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Tapeworm on January 11, 2009, 01:29:30 PM
Don't bullshit me. Is this what's REALLY going on?  ???

Of course.  And Arnold has reported that he will be, repeat: WILL BE, back on the dbol for the grand re-opening.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: BEEFYHEAVYWEIGHT on January 11, 2009, 02:22:33 PM
Don't bullshit me. Is this what's REALLY going on?  ???
The gym is still there as I said. It is owned by a non bodybuilding related older couple. Ken Sparague has nothing to do with the place and hasnt since 1976 when he owned it. Kent Keuhn is practically broke and living like a bum and barely has money to pay rent. All he does is work backstage at local California shows. And do not give your money to any asshole on this or any sight that claims to be taking donations for the gym. It is total bullshit and a scam. This is the final word!
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: willie mosconi on January 11, 2009, 04:32:52 PM
How long has Gold's been at the Hampton location? Since 1980 or so?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: BEEFYHEAVYWEIGHT on January 11, 2009, 04:40:49 PM
How long has Gold's been at the Hampton location? Since 1980 or so?
It has been on Hampton since 80 or 81.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: timfogarty on January 11, 2009, 04:46:22 PM
The original Gold's opened in the fall of 1965.  Joe sold it in 1970 to Bud Danitz and Dave Sachs.  The new owners moved to a new location in  Santa Monica in 1975.  Gold's moved to its current location in 1981.  The second location was torn down to make way for the Santa Monica Place shopping mall.

Here is a MS Live map (http://maps.live.com/?v=2&where1=1006%20Pacific%20Ave%2C%20Venice%2C%20CA%2090291-3207&encType=1).  Click on the bird's eye view and zoom in.  Note the orange icon is really pointing to the building next door.  The original Gold's is in a residential area.  It is very small and there is no parking anywhere nearby.  It can't really be used for anything other than a residence.  It has been someone's home for at least 10, maybe 20 years.

Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: BEEFYHEAVYWEIGHT on January 11, 2009, 04:50:53 PM
The original Gold's opened in the fall of 1965.  Joe sold it in 1970 to Bud Danitz and Dave Sachs.  The new owners moved to a new location in  Santa Monica in 1975.  Gold's moved to its current location in 1981.  The second location was torn down to make way for the Santa Monica Place shopping mall.

the original Gold's is in a residential area.  It is very small and there is no parking anywhere nearby.  It can't really be used for anything other than a residence.
The second location of Golds gym in Santa Monica was on 2nd street. It is still there. It was not torn down. The mall was 1 block south from it. The gym is now a design firm. But the original wooden beam ceiling and brick front still exist and can be viewed. I frequent an italian restaurant a few stores down from the 2nd Golds. So I can attest to it still being there.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: timfogarty on January 11, 2009, 05:07:43 PM
The second location of Golds gym in Santa Monica was on 2nd street. It is still there. It was not torn down. The mall was 1 block south from it. The gym is now a design firm. But the original wooden beam ceiling and brick front still exist and can be viewed. I frequent an italian restaurant a few stores down from the 2nd Golds. So I can attest to it still being there.

davedraper.com lists the address as 1452 2nd St,  MS Live (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=pp23wq53rsk5&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=32957191&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1) shows a parking structure there.   was it the first floor of one of those old  4-5 story office buildinds?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: BEEFYHEAVYWEIGHT on January 11, 2009, 05:12:41 PM
davedraper.com lists the address as 1452 2nd St,  MS Live (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=pp23wq53rsk5&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=32957191&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&encType=1) shows a parking structure there.   I don't see any old buildings on that block.

The parking structure is directly across the street from the former gym. I park in it everytime I am going to the restaurant. Mike Mentzer used to run the stairs of the parking structure for his cardio when he trained for the 79 and 80 Olympia. But the Golds location is still there. I can assure you of that because I drove by it this morning.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: timfogarty on January 11, 2009, 05:17:57 PM
The parking structure is directly across the street from the former gym.

further south I see a building with 1442 on top.  is it the little one story (http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&FORM=LMLTCP&cp=pp22tk53rsyf&style=b&lvl=2&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=6992424&phx=0&phy=0&phscl=1&sp=Point.pp22gw53rsmr_golds%3F____&encType=1) just to the north?
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 11, 2009, 05:52:36 PM
The gym is still there as I said. It is owned by a non bodybuilding related older couple. Ken Sparague has nothing to do with the place and hasnt since 1976 when he owned it. Kent Keuhn is practically broke and living like a bum and barely has money to pay rent. All he does is work backstage at local California shows. And do not give your money to any asshole on this or any sight that claims to be taking donations for the gym. It is total bullshit and a scam. This is the final word!

Trust me, I was NEVER gonna give any donation to any organization or anyone. Just was wondering if that was true or not.

You, BEEFY, I tend to believe more. Thanks for the info!  8)
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Pollux on January 11, 2009, 05:55:46 PM
Kent Keuhn is practically broke and living like a bum and barely has money to pay rent.

Really, or is that just speculation? I did see him on one of Jay's DVDs where in fact he was working backstage at the Jr. California, I believe.
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: willie mosconi on January 11, 2009, 11:07:53 PM
The original Gold's opened in the fall of 1965.  Joe sold it in 1970 to Bud Danitz and Dave Sachs.  The new owners moved to a new location in  Santa Monica in 1975.  Gold's moved to its current location in 1981.  The second location was torn down to make way for the Santa Monica Place shopping mall.

Here is a MS Live map (http://maps.live.com/?v=2&where1=1006%20Pacific%20Ave%2C%20Venice%2C%20CA%2090291-3207&encType=1).  Click on the bird's eye view and zoom in.  Note the orange icon is really pointing to the building next door.  The original Gold's is in a residential area.  It is very small and there is no parking anywhere nearby.  It can't really be used for anything other than a residence.  It has been someone's home for at least 10, maybe 20 years.



I've been training at the current Gold's since 2003. It is a very good gym with a tremendous variety of equipment. However, it is gradually losing its hardcore feel. The current Gold's must be must larger (3 separate rooms and an outdoor area) than the first two
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: Tapeworm on January 12, 2009, 01:24:42 AM
The gym is still there as I said. It is owned by a non bodybuilding related older couple. Ken Sparague has nothing to do with the place and hasnt since 1976 when he owned it. Kent Keuhn is practically broke and living like a bum and barely has money to pay rent. All he does is work backstage at local California shows. And do not give your money to any asshole on this or any sight that claims to be taking donations for the gym. It is total bullshit and a scam. This is the final word!

Uhhh... Beef, everyone knew I was joking.  I was poking fun a Iron Age's "rebuilding Gold's" thing they did awhile ago asking for donations.

Sounds like you have a lot of info about the gym scene out there.  All you need now is some good humor.  No one likes a stern bodybuilder.  ;)
Title: Re: The original Gold's Gym OFFICIALLY gone???
Post by: YoungBlood on January 12, 2009, 07:55:03 AM
However, it is gradually losing its hardcore feel.

As are most gyms. People now, are training for health, and think that if they get too big (as if it's the easiest thing in the world- throw on 455 on the squat bar for 15 after 2-3 workouts) they will be dead of a heart attack in days.
The days of training "hardcore" and seeing guys like back in the 80's, are long over.
Gyms of today cater to housewives and soccer moms. Where the money is at. Those people cower and are intimidated by hardcore guys lifting a few feet away.

Quote
The current Gold's must be must larger (3 separate rooms and an outdoor area) than the first two

The first two gyms were pretty much just two hole in the wall places in comparison to the current Golds. I know the original was one building, and one room in the new Golds is probably larger than the whole building of the original.