If you lived in Culver City or ran in Southern California firearm circles anytime between the Eisenhower administration and today, you knew the building at 11029 Washington Boulevard. It was a local fixture. Honestly, it was more than that—it was a time capsule.
Martin B. Retting Inc wasn't just another retail store. For sixty-five years, it stood as a temple for collectors of fine, antique, and military firearms. Then, suddenly, the gate came down.
The End of an Era
In mid-2023, the news hit the community like a lead weight. The owners, Daniel and Ellen Retting, were retiring. After decades of navigating California's increasingly complex firearm regulations, they decided it was time to close shop.
People were shocked.
You've got to understand the history here. The business actually traces its roots all the way back to 1928, though it didn't land in its iconic Culver City spot until 1958. For over half a century, it was the place to go if you wanted a Luger with a story or a Winchester that looked like it belonged in a museum. It had a reputation for being "crusty" but deeply knowledgeable.
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Why the City Spent $6.5 Million
Here is where things get interesting—and a little controversial.
The shop sat just about 800 feet away from La Ballona Elementary School. Now, back in 2005, Culver City passed an ordinance that basically said, "No new gun stores within 1,000 feet of a school." Because Retting had been there since the fifties, they were grandfathered in. They were the exception to the rule.
When the Rettings announced their retirement, a group of local parents and activists called "Culver 878" started getting worried. They realized that the "grandfathered" status wasn't just for the owners; it was attached to the land. If another gun dealer bought the building, they could potentially keep the business going indefinitely.
The city council didn't wait around.
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In September 2023, the city moved fast. They authorized a $6.5 million purchase of the property. They didn't buy it because they needed an old retail building. They bought it to ensure that the "firearm use" rights died with the sale. Basically, they paid a premium to change the neighborhood's DNA.
From Ammo to Affordable Housing
Walk by that corner today in 2026, and you won't see racks of rifles. The exterior has been repainted, covered in murals by local artists like Katy Kranz. It's a weird, transitional space right now.
But the plans are big. Really big.
The Culver City Planning Commission recently narrowed down five different proposals for what to do with the lot. It looks like they've settled on a project called Washington Palms.
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- The Plan: An eight-story building.
- The Goal: 67 units of 100% affordable housing.
- The Perks: Ground-floor artist lofts and a community art center.
It is a total 180-degree flip from what the site used to be. Some residents are thrilled to see the city tackling the housing crisis, while others are still scratching their heads over the $6.5 million price tag for a quarter-acre lot.
What Most People Get Wrong
There's a common misconception that the store was forced out by the government. That’s not actually true. The Rettings chose to retire. The city just stepped in as the highest bidder to prevent a "successor" gun shop from moving in.
Collectors still miss the place. You can't just replace a shop that specialized in oddball European pistols and rare WWII memorabilia with a big-box retailer. That kind of expertise is mostly moving to online auction sites now, which is where a lot of the old Retting inventory ended up.
What You Should Know Moving Forward
If you are looking for the "next" Martin B. Retting Inc, you’re probably out of luck in the Los Angeles basin. The landscape has shifted. Most legacy shops are facing the same pressure—high real estate values meeting strict local zoning.
If you are a collector who used to frequent the shop, here is the current reality:
- Appraisals: You'll need to look toward specialized auction houses like Rock Island or Amoskeag for high-end vintage evaluations.
- The Property: Construction at 11029 Washington Blvd is expected to start around Spring 2027. If you want to see the old building one last time, do it now before the bulldozers arrive.
- Community Input: Culver City is still taking feedback on the "Art Center" portion of the new development. If you live in the area, you can still have a say in how that 1,800-square-foot space is used.
The saga of Martin B. Retting Inc is a perfect snapshot of modern California. It’s a story about the clash between 20th-century hobbies and 21st-century urban planning. Whether you see it as a loss of history or a win for school safety, there's no denying that corner will never be the same.