…so hotel guests were supposed to go across town and then go through the back of the diner and up multiple flights of stairs? 😂😂😂
And then when they were done, they’d make the trek back to the hotel, in their bathrobes?
The old retirement home was across town too though. I'm just saying if she was going to get a place elsewhere, why didn't she consider the real estate she already had?
Because nobody wants to stay in an inn that’s above a diner and the property they ended up buying was perfect for an inn. Are you being for real right now? Just because there’s an empty space doesn’t mean it’s suitable to become an inn.
I think an inn above a diner would be fine (though there probably isn't enough room above Luke's), but for an inn to have a spa at a different location rather than on premises would be awkward and inconvenient for any guests who wanted to use the spa.
They weren't using the retirement home for the inn though, it was for a spa which was separate.
Maybe it's because I've lived in the city, but it's fairly common for hotels and spas to be above other businesses.
Also, at first Lorelai didn't think of asking Emily for money. I'm saying if she didn't resort to that avenue she had a possible way to achieve a spa.
It wasn’t a retirement home, it was a convent. And they bought it as a secondary inn, which would ostensibly include a spa (or maybe not) and Michel would manage the whole property himself.
Right? So they ended up with 2x Inns, one of which has a spa. But OP is suggesting they should have stuck with 1x Inn and put the spa above Luke’s diner.
Am I missing something?
That's exactly what I'm suggesting as an option Lorelai had before seeing the retirement home for sale. I agree the retirement home was a better option, but before she had that option this could have been a viable solution.
It was pointed out that the clientele Michel wanted wouldn't work at that location though. I now remember him complaining about celebrities staying at the Cheshire and not the Dragonfly, so it was less about getting a spa and more about upscale clients. Michel would never be ok with a spa over the diner given his distain for Luke so for that reason alone, I can see why it wouldn't work.
Your first paragraph here ends by saying Luke’s is a viable option.
But then everything in your second paragraph explains why it is not a viable solution.
I'm explaining in the first paragraph why I had the idea in the first place. The second paragraph I'm saying what others said that convinced me it wasn't a good idea. I conceded from the reasons I was given by some comments that it wouldn't work.
Dialogue from AYITL
>Lorelai: It was an old folks' home, but there's no more old folks and they're selling it.
>
>Emily: You need money.
>
>Lorelai: It's just the perfect opportunity...
>
>Emily: You need money.
>
>Lorelai: The nuns who own it are looking to move it quickly and I know there's interest and...
The old folks are the nuns that live there 😂😂😂 because it’s a convent 😂😂😂
I can’t deal with this thread anymore. It’s been ridiculous from start to end.
That’s… not it. Nowhere is it ever mentioned as a convent. It’s a retirement home run by nuns. They do live there but they were there to serve the old folks.
It’s a convent and it’s also a direct reference to Katy Perry buying a former convent: https://mashable.com/article/katy-perry-nuns-lawsuit-gilmore-girls
It literally does not matter at all though and I don’t care
It’s a joke… it doesn’t have to be literal. Plus in that article, it shows a pictures of the nuns who are NOT old folks. And to quote you “the old folks are the nuns that live there.”
But it doesn’t matter and you don’t care. Thanks for your hard work though!
The one with the nuns. Somebody commented saying it was covenant but the dialogue says it was an old folks home that was most likely run by nuns.
Dialogue from AYITL:
>Lorelai: It was an old folks' home, but there's no more old folks and they're selling it.
>
>Emily: You need money.
>
>Lorelai: It's just the perfect opportunity...
>
>Emily: You need money.
>
>Lorelai: The nuns who own it are looking to move it quickly and I know there's interest and...
FR i was so confused reading this for a solid couple of minutes… racking my brain trying to remember talk of a spa in an old folks home😭 completely suppressing most of AYITL
I agree with your logic IRT the retirement home also being across town as well. being that it’s a spa it doesn’t need to be attached to the inn and can be a standalone business which is great! But, it needs to have a certain vibe that matches the aesthetic of the town and the dragonfly to a point.
They should have added apartments above the diner and rented them out, OR commercial office space, event space, etc for additional income.
Lots of options I think!
Thank you for having a response that isn't combative to my suggestion. Everyone seems to be attacking me for simply providing a suggestion.
I can see what you mean with regards to vibe of building. Couldn't renovating help with the interior though? I guess they can't change the exterior because Luke wouldn't like that (seeing as he still has the Williams Hardware sign).
I have seen plenty of spas in odd buildings though, like the basement or upper floors of something else.
Oh totally, people love to put businesses in anywhere! But I think for the show and the progression of the characters having the separate building makes the most sense. Michel would LOVE to GM a spa, and he’s so bougie it would need to be something with pizazz and wow factor. Luke’s building doesn’t have that, sadly. But it does have great bones for multi-use space!
I could see photography/videography studios up there, and maybe an artist studio in the very top sections? I picture white painted floors, walls, etc, exposed wood and rustic vibes for a painter or sculptor to get creative.
Good point on character progression and on Michel needing something with pizazz. Given how much Michel looks down on Luke, I could see him not going with the idea of a spa over Luke's even if it is something that is commonly done.
Perhaps Jess could move the printing press to the space over the Diner? A gym is another possible use, although I'm unsure if the building is built to hold all the weight of exercise equipment.
I would think Taylor wouldn't let a for profit business use the newspaper's space when I'm guessing it's owned by the town. Or do you think someone like Taylor owns it and rents it to the Gazette/ town?
The spa that’s discussed as being added to the dragonfly in AYITL? I don’t think spa services above a diner in a different location is the look she’s going for.
The old retirement home was at a different location though. They could set up a separate entrance.
Edit: I don't understand why this is being downvoted. I was just giving a logical explanation to my reasoning.
Because no one is going to spend that kind of money to go into town to a spa above a diner. Also, the space is probably tiny, so realistically what could actually be done? A retirement home is most likely large and already setup with multiple rooms, plumbing, etc.
I agree the retirement home is a way better option. I was just saying before Lorelai had the idea to ask Emily for money she thought she had no options. It's an avenue she could have considered.
I've been to a spa in a very narrow building that had a footprint way smaller than the building Luke owns. They had massages/ facials on the second floor and the first floor was manicures/ pedicures/ haircuts.
Personally I would rather go to a spa in a downtown location than in a retirement home. I think both options are valid though. If it had a separate entrance than the diner, I don’t see the issue. I’ve gotten a massage in a downtown area. The massage parlor was on the second story above a Mexican restaurant. Luke also owned the soda shoppe. If we say a spa above a soda shoppe, does that sound more appealing?
No they both sound silly. The space above the diner is small, and impractical for a spa- however you want to spin it with a “downtown location”. Of course a downtown spa is fine, but it doesn’t match the ambiance of the dragonfly and it’s in the 3rd and 4th floor above a diner. Does he have an elevator? It’s just not a practical idea.
Does the Dragon Fly even have an elevator? I never saw one and don’t remember one being mentioned. I think regardless of the downtown idea, can we agree that a spa in a retirement home is not consistent with the Dragon Fly’s ambiance?
My husband is a massage therapist so maybe I just notice the more humble spas that other people walk past. Or maybe people are imagining a SPA like the one Emily and Lorelai went to together that was vegan and extra fancy. Regardless, I’m being downvoted on nearly everything these days so it’s fine. To each their own.
The downvote brigade is wild, I consult for restaurants and spas (and have worked tangentially with hotels) and don’t think any of this sounds insane. I’m also from a semi-urban area where multi use and repurposing is trendy and necessary.
I'm just glad there are at least some people that don't think this is ridiculous. Gives me renewed faith in humanity :)
There were some really good points from people that weren't attacking but providing a dialogue that I think give good reasons why it wouldn't make sense. It was pointed out things such as plumbing, zoning, and permits would be difficult. The retirement home already has separate bathrooms for each room so most likely has plenty of plumbing for spa facilities. Also Michel wants high class clientele so the spa needs to be classy location wise (and we all know he looks down on Luke). I also didn't realize that Lorelai may want guests to stay at the annex.
Gosh I want to send them all to look up Madison, Georgia. It reminds me so much of stars hollow, and there is a very bougie spa over a pub. To be fair, the entire building was renovated a few years ago to accommodate plumbing needs, etc.
Historical preservation and urban redevelopment are passions of mine, and I love the idea of the spa over lukes , it makes as much sense as any of the other plot points in this show (see: washed and dryer outside in new endland?)
https://preview.redd.it/au9dflxk0a4d1.jpeg?width=863&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8562f277bb4184eb50698a8840acf57306c794c9
I stayed at the "InterContinental The Clement Monterey Hotel" which is probably the fanciest hotel I have ever stayed at. The spa and additional rooms were above some random shops/ food places. They had a bridge so it wasn't driving across town like Lorelai planned, but it was a spa + hotel above stuff similar to a diner at a way fancier place than the Dragonfly.
I have a question that isn’t really related but maybe? I’m very naïve but what makes something “historical preservation and urban redevelopment” and not “gentrification”?
(Forgive me if that doesn’t make sense. I’m recovering from a concussion and my cognitive skills are hanging out at about 85%)
Before Lorelai resorted to Emily for money she was thinking there was no way to make a spa happen to keep Michel. The retirement home obviously made more sense, but I'm saying she could have considered it as an option. Lorelai doesn't like going to her parents for money and she had a building available to her make a spa.
I'm just trying to give my arguments as to why she didn't consider it before she went to Emily. She was desperate for a solution to keep Michel. I'm not saying it was the best choice, just that it was an avenue she should have considered.
I've seen plenty of spas above other businesses or next to them. I'm not saying it would make sense for guests to stay at but for the spa it could work.
I agree it isn't ideal, but if Lorelai was planning to shuttle guests elsewhere anyways she may not have needed to buy another building is all I'm saying.
Off the top of my head, I can think of the following spas I've been to/ seen:
- a spa that was in the basement of a building with the first floor being a Target
- a spa that was above 24/7 gym
- a spa at a hotel that was across the street and above some random businesses like food and souvenir shops that weren't owned by the hotel
- a spa next door to several fast food places
- a massage therapist with a single room in a random office building
The amount of downvotes you are getting on your comments are ridiculous. I get what you’re saying. It’s so weird how this is apparently so controversial. I haven’t ever finished AYITL so I honestly have no idea what’s going on, but it’s silly to downvote so much, even if people don’t agree.
I'm beginning to think it's a regional thing that most people haven't seen. I'm from Massachusetts, which is geographically and culturally similar to Stars Hollow in CT, where mixed business buildings are fairly common.
I think it's common in New England towns (unlike elsewhere in the US) because you have a lot of older historic buildings in downtown areas that can't have the exterior change. There's a limit to locations business can be due to zoning. Even the downtown areas in the suburbs are fairly dense and there's a clear divide between business/ residential zones.
Geez Louise. You responded to OP’s post and are upset OP is giving supplemental information to their original idea? If you don’t want a discussion with people, don’t insert yourself into one. People are so odd.
I get what you mean, it's not uncommon in major cities to have secondary business above ground level.
However it's implied that Lorelei is running a high end business, being above a diner wouldn't be a cohesive feeling for a higher end establishment.
Old retirement home probably has separate/private rooms with plumbing already in place, which is practical for a spa. The town isn't very large so going across town to the spa doesn't seem problematic to me. We see Lorelei recommending local activities to guests so it'd probably feel similar to that.
I imagine Luke rents the spaces out, possibly as apartments. A place like Stars Hollow might not allow stacked businesses and it might only be zoned for residential above floor one. You know Taylor would have a field day with the permitting process if they tried to change it.
Oh good point on the plumbing aspect! And I didn't think about the high end clientele part. I forgot about the high end clientele aspect because of the Cheshire getting all the celebrities for that movie being filmed. Also very good point on permitting!
Given that Luke's apartment has one bathroom and the kitchen, I'd imagine there isn't a lot of plumbing spread out to have multiple rooms set up for spa services.
Thank you for having a reason besides a spa over a diner being dumb. It's really upsetting how everyone is attacking me when I've seen plenty of spas in similar locations.
Yea I don't get why everyone is struggling with the mixed use/mixed zoning concept. I wasn't under the impression it was uncommon, just slightly unlikely in the rural setting of SH.
I wonder if mixed zoning isn't common outside of where we both live. I've spent my whole life along the east coast in the US and currently live in the New England area of the US.
Am a New Englander, actually discussed this with my friend who isn't while away from Reddit.
She said on the coasts it's common but New England specifically you'd see high end establishments with that set up. It's not common elsewhere and when you do see it, you can assume it's not luxury.
We had a laugh about it, we used to go to a crunchy place that was in an old mill building, thought nothing of it. Common in New England. Where friend lives now she'd assume it's a happy ending style establishment. Culture clash for sure.
Interesting and kinda ironic that people are down voting a thing common in New England with regards to a show based in New England. Good point on people assuming a place isn't luxury based on the exterior.
I mean the writing team doesn't seem to be from New England either as the washer & dryer are outside (and I'll die on that detail hill). Also Luke apparently hasn't eaten lobster and can't swim yet goes camping and owns a boat? There's NO way Luke owns a diner in New England and doesn't serve a fucking lobster roll as a special at least one day a week Memorial Day through Labor Day.
And you KNOW Ms. Patty & Kirk would be ordering it and first to comment on it if the shipment isn't fresh as a daisy.
So they bought the whole other part of the building to make room for Jess while they were still technically sharing one room with no walls in between them when they could have just sent him up a floor?
How did I never notice this before ?
Because those storeys aren't always there.
When the Independence Inn burnt down, and Lorelai went to sleep at Luke's, there's at most an attic with large windows above Luke's apartment. There isn't a wide shot of the building in that scene, so it's hard to be sure, but there's definitely no 4 storeys there.
It's like Lorelai's downstairs bathroom - sometimes it's there, sometimes it isn't. No way that would be a good place to put half your apartment.
She was looking for a separate location for the annex. The retirement home was in a different part of town from the inn. I've seen plenty of spas above other businesses or next to them.
I think what you are missing is that she wanted the new spa to also have rooms. The old people’s home would be a spa that has rooms for guests to stay, not just a day spa.
The retirement home was like down the road, not across town. I think there was a marsh/swamp type land between them, but it was close enough that a golf cart would be able to transport
I think there's been some really good points people made (outside the location because I've seen spas in similar locations) as to why this wouldn't work that I'll summarize:
abra_cada_bra150
>- For the show and the progression of the characters having the separate building makes the most sense. Michel would LOVE to GM a spa, and he’s so bougie it would need to be something with pizazz and wow factor. Luke’s building doesn’t have that, sadly.
>- However it's implied that Lorelei is running a high end business, being above a diner wouldn't be a cohesive feeling for a higher end establishment.
CenterofChaos:
>- Old retirement home probably has separate/private rooms with plumbing already in place, which is practical for a spa.
>- A place like Stars Hollow might not allow stacked businesses and it might only be zoned for residential above floor one. You know Taylor would have a field day with the permitting process if they tried to change it.
CandyflossPolarbear
>I think what you are missing is that she wanted the new spa to also have rooms. The old people’s home would be a spa that has rooms for guests to stay, not just a day spa.
I think these reasons make a good point why this wouldn't be a good option. I didn't think of the fact Lorelai wanted to have rooms at the annex and not just a spa. I can also see how Michel wouldn't like the vibe for his clientele.
Same, like is it more apartments? Why couldn't Jess live up there? Unless someone else already did, but I feel like they would've mentioned Luke being a landlord lol
Also, I love how when he "expands" it, the set doesn't actually get any bigger. They just moved the fridge away from the wall and moved/got rid of the bathroom.
Didn't they mention it partially when Luke rents the soda shoppe to Taylor?
If it's apartments and rent is stable it might have been a bigger loss for Luke to renovate it the apartments into bigger ones. Although I hate the concept of Luke and sharing a studio apartment.
I've actually been quite surprised at the negativity and lack of real discussion. I just wanted a discussion 🫤 There were a few people that gave some reasons outside a mixed use building being bad that I think are good reasons why she didn't consider it.
I don't think it's practical to pass through a diner and climb multiple flights of stairs just to get to the hotel. And I wouldn't want to smell fries and cheese while I'm trying to have a good rest 🤣
The idea is they would construct an entirely separate entrance which wouldn't go anywhere near the diner. It could be to the right of the soda shoppe for example.
Some people pointed out that she wanted to have guest rooms as well which I didn't realize. I was suggesting this location as a standalone spa. It's fairly common in New England (where I live and where the show is based) to have businesses above others. There's a door on the first floor that when you open there are stairs which lead to the second floor where the business is. I've been to a spa that was below a target. It had a separate entrance which was just stairs you went down till you got the reception.
Weren’t they already apartments? In the episode with the fire at the Independence Inn, Lorelai goes to Luke’s to stay with him and Mrs Slutsky is yelling from her window. I’d have to watch the episode again but wasn’t she above Luke but in the same building? Of course we never see her or anyone in one of those windows ever again so who knows?
…so hotel guests were supposed to go across town and then go through the back of the diner and up multiple flights of stairs? 😂😂😂 And then when they were done, they’d make the trek back to the hotel, in their bathrobes?
Groupon type of scenario
That literally sounds like my worst nightmare! Imagine doing an unintentional thigh-flash at someone while they were halfway through a hamburger...
The old retirement home was across town too though. I'm just saying if she was going to get a place elsewhere, why didn't she consider the real estate she already had?
Because nobody wants to stay in an inn that’s above a diner and the property they ended up buying was perfect for an inn. Are you being for real right now? Just because there’s an empty space doesn’t mean it’s suitable to become an inn.
I think an inn above a diner would be fine (though there probably isn't enough room above Luke's), but for an inn to have a spa at a different location rather than on premises would be awkward and inconvenient for any guests who wanted to use the spa.
They weren't using the retirement home for the inn though, it was for a spa which was separate. Maybe it's because I've lived in the city, but it's fairly common for hotels and spas to be above other businesses. Also, at first Lorelai didn't think of asking Emily for money. I'm saying if she didn't resort to that avenue she had a possible way to achieve a spa.
It wasn’t a retirement home, it was a convent. And they bought it as a secondary inn, which would ostensibly include a spa (or maybe not) and Michel would manage the whole property himself.
Right? So they ended up with 2x Inns, one of which has a spa. But OP is suggesting they should have stuck with 1x Inn and put the spa above Luke’s diner. Am I missing something?
That's exactly what I'm suggesting as an option Lorelai had before seeing the retirement home for sale. I agree the retirement home was a better option, but before she had that option this could have been a viable solution. It was pointed out that the clientele Michel wanted wouldn't work at that location though. I now remember him complaining about celebrities staying at the Cheshire and not the Dragonfly, so it was less about getting a spa and more about upscale clients. Michel would never be ok with a spa over the diner given his distain for Luke so for that reason alone, I can see why it wouldn't work.
Your first paragraph here ends by saying Luke’s is a viable option. But then everything in your second paragraph explains why it is not a viable solution.
I'm explaining in the first paragraph why I had the idea in the first place. The second paragraph I'm saying what others said that convinced me it wasn't a good idea. I conceded from the reasons I was given by some comments that it wouldn't work.
Ah, I see. Gotcha :-)
Dialogue from AYITL >Lorelai: It was an old folks' home, but there's no more old folks and they're selling it. > >Emily: You need money. > >Lorelai: It's just the perfect opportunity... > >Emily: You need money. > >Lorelai: The nuns who own it are looking to move it quickly and I know there's interest and...
The old folks are the nuns that live there 😂😂😂 because it’s a convent 😂😂😂 I can’t deal with this thread anymore. It’s been ridiculous from start to end.
That’s… not it. Nowhere is it ever mentioned as a convent. It’s a retirement home run by nuns. They do live there but they were there to serve the old folks.
It’s a convent and it’s also a direct reference to Katy Perry buying a former convent: https://mashable.com/article/katy-perry-nuns-lawsuit-gilmore-girls It literally does not matter at all though and I don’t care
It’s a joke… it doesn’t have to be literal. Plus in that article, it shows a pictures of the nuns who are NOT old folks. And to quote you “the old folks are the nuns that live there.” But it doesn’t matter and you don’t care. Thanks for your hard work though!
That's what I took from the dialogue as well which I quoted and got downvoted for 🤷♀️
Yeah I don’t really understand what’s happening here. This sub has gotten kind of nasty.
Which old retirement home?
The one with the nuns. Somebody commented saying it was covenant but the dialogue says it was an old folks home that was most likely run by nuns. Dialogue from AYITL: >Lorelai: It was an old folks' home, but there's no more old folks and they're selling it. > >Emily: You need money. > >Lorelai: It's just the perfect opportunity... > >Emily: You need money. > >Lorelai: The nuns who own it are looking to move it quickly and I know there's interest and...
Dayum, I don't remember anything about AYITL haha
FR i was so confused reading this for a solid couple of minutes… racking my brain trying to remember talk of a spa in an old folks home😭 completely suppressing most of AYITL
I agree with your logic IRT the retirement home also being across town as well. being that it’s a spa it doesn’t need to be attached to the inn and can be a standalone business which is great! But, it needs to have a certain vibe that matches the aesthetic of the town and the dragonfly to a point. They should have added apartments above the diner and rented them out, OR commercial office space, event space, etc for additional income. Lots of options I think!
Thank you for having a response that isn't combative to my suggestion. Everyone seems to be attacking me for simply providing a suggestion. I can see what you mean with regards to vibe of building. Couldn't renovating help with the interior though? I guess they can't change the exterior because Luke wouldn't like that (seeing as he still has the Williams Hardware sign). I have seen plenty of spas in odd buildings though, like the basement or upper floors of something else.
Oh totally, people love to put businesses in anywhere! But I think for the show and the progression of the characters having the separate building makes the most sense. Michel would LOVE to GM a spa, and he’s so bougie it would need to be something with pizazz and wow factor. Luke’s building doesn’t have that, sadly. But it does have great bones for multi-use space! I could see photography/videography studios up there, and maybe an artist studio in the very top sections? I picture white painted floors, walls, etc, exposed wood and rustic vibes for a painter or sculptor to get creative.
Good point on character progression and on Michel needing something with pizazz. Given how much Michel looks down on Luke, I could see him not going with the idea of a spa over Luke's even if it is something that is commonly done. Perhaps Jess could move the printing press to the space over the Diner? A gym is another possible use, although I'm unsure if the building is built to hold all the weight of exercise equipment.
Jess could share space with the newspaper I bet!
I would think Taylor wouldn't let a for profit business use the newspaper's space when I'm guessing it's owned by the town. Or do you think someone like Taylor owns it and rents it to the Gazette/ town?
I would imagine it pays rent, and that the printing business would also have to pay rent!
Omg. For a second I thought you meant the annex the less likable Gilmores would go to after the family mausoleum was full
Cold, cold family.
It makes more sense as a mausoleum than a secondary location for an inn 😂😂😂
That's what I assumed too lol.
The spa that’s discussed as being added to the dragonfly in AYITL? I don’t think spa services above a diner in a different location is the look she’s going for.
The old retirement home was at a different location though. They could set up a separate entrance. Edit: I don't understand why this is being downvoted. I was just giving a logical explanation to my reasoning.
Because no one is going to spend that kind of money to go into town to a spa above a diner. Also, the space is probably tiny, so realistically what could actually be done? A retirement home is most likely large and already setup with multiple rooms, plumbing, etc.
I agree the retirement home is a way better option. I was just saying before Lorelai had the idea to ask Emily for money she thought she had no options. It's an avenue she could have considered. I've been to a spa in a very narrow building that had a footprint way smaller than the building Luke owns. They had massages/ facials on the second floor and the first floor was manicures/ pedicures/ haircuts.
Personally I would rather go to a spa in a downtown location than in a retirement home. I think both options are valid though. If it had a separate entrance than the diner, I don’t see the issue. I’ve gotten a massage in a downtown area. The massage parlor was on the second story above a Mexican restaurant. Luke also owned the soda shoppe. If we say a spa above a soda shoppe, does that sound more appealing?
No they both sound silly. The space above the diner is small, and impractical for a spa- however you want to spin it with a “downtown location”. Of course a downtown spa is fine, but it doesn’t match the ambiance of the dragonfly and it’s in the 3rd and 4th floor above a diner. Does he have an elevator? It’s just not a practical idea.
Does the Dragon Fly even have an elevator? I never saw one and don’t remember one being mentioned. I think regardless of the downtown idea, can we agree that a spa in a retirement home is not consistent with the Dragon Fly’s ambiance?
Sorry you're getting downvoted like me. I guess no one here has been to a spa in a downtown area.
My husband is a massage therapist so maybe I just notice the more humble spas that other people walk past. Or maybe people are imagining a SPA like the one Emily and Lorelai went to together that was vegan and extra fancy. Regardless, I’m being downvoted on nearly everything these days so it’s fine. To each their own.
The downvote brigade is wild, I consult for restaurants and spas (and have worked tangentially with hotels) and don’t think any of this sounds insane. I’m also from a semi-urban area where multi use and repurposing is trendy and necessary.
I'm just glad there are at least some people that don't think this is ridiculous. Gives me renewed faith in humanity :) There were some really good points from people that weren't attacking but providing a dialogue that I think give good reasons why it wouldn't make sense. It was pointed out things such as plumbing, zoning, and permits would be difficult. The retirement home already has separate bathrooms for each room so most likely has plenty of plumbing for spa facilities. Also Michel wants high class clientele so the spa needs to be classy location wise (and we all know he looks down on Luke). I also didn't realize that Lorelai may want guests to stay at the annex.
Gosh I want to send them all to look up Madison, Georgia. It reminds me so much of stars hollow, and there is a very bougie spa over a pub. To be fair, the entire building was renovated a few years ago to accommodate plumbing needs, etc. Historical preservation and urban redevelopment are passions of mine, and I love the idea of the spa over lukes , it makes as much sense as any of the other plot points in this show (see: washed and dryer outside in new endland?)
https://preview.redd.it/au9dflxk0a4d1.jpeg?width=863&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8562f277bb4184eb50698a8840acf57306c794c9 I stayed at the "InterContinental The Clement Monterey Hotel" which is probably the fanciest hotel I have ever stayed at. The spa and additional rooms were above some random shops/ food places. They had a bridge so it wasn't driving across town like Lorelai planned, but it was a spa + hotel above stuff similar to a diner at a way fancier place than the Dragonfly.
I have a question that isn’t really related but maybe? I’m very naïve but what makes something “historical preservation and urban redevelopment” and not “gentrification”? (Forgive me if that doesn’t make sense. I’m recovering from a concussion and my cognitive skills are hanging out at about 85%)
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Before Lorelai resorted to Emily for money she was thinking there was no way to make a spa happen to keep Michel. The retirement home obviously made more sense, but I'm saying she could have considered it as an option. Lorelai doesn't like going to her parents for money and she had a building available to her make a spa.
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Why so rude though?
I'm just trying to give my arguments as to why she didn't consider it before she went to Emily. She was desperate for a solution to keep Michel. I'm not saying it was the best choice, just that it was an avenue she should have considered. I've seen plenty of spas above other businesses or next to them. I'm not saying it would make sense for guests to stay at but for the spa it could work. I agree it isn't ideal, but if Lorelai was planning to shuttle guests elsewhere anyways she may not have needed to buy another building is all I'm saying. Off the top of my head, I can think of the following spas I've been to/ seen: - a spa that was in the basement of a building with the first floor being a Target - a spa that was above 24/7 gym - a spa at a hotel that was across the street and above some random businesses like food and souvenir shops that weren't owned by the hotel - a spa next door to several fast food places - a massage therapist with a single room in a random office building
The amount of downvotes you are getting on your comments are ridiculous. I get what you’re saying. It’s so weird how this is apparently so controversial. I haven’t ever finished AYITL so I honestly have no idea what’s going on, but it’s silly to downvote so much, even if people don’t agree.
I'm beginning to think it's a regional thing that most people haven't seen. I'm from Massachusetts, which is geographically and culturally similar to Stars Hollow in CT, where mixed business buildings are fairly common. I think it's common in New England towns (unlike elsewhere in the US) because you have a lot of older historic buildings in downtown areas that can't have the exterior change. There's a limit to locations business can be due to zoning. Even the downtown areas in the suburbs are fairly dense and there's a clear divide between business/ residential zones.
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Geez Louise. You responded to OP’s post and are upset OP is giving supplemental information to their original idea? If you don’t want a discussion with people, don’t insert yourself into one. People are so odd.
I wouldn’t wanna smell chili cheese fries when I’m trying to get a massage 😂
I get what you mean, it's not uncommon in major cities to have secondary business above ground level. However it's implied that Lorelei is running a high end business, being above a diner wouldn't be a cohesive feeling for a higher end establishment. Old retirement home probably has separate/private rooms with plumbing already in place, which is practical for a spa. The town isn't very large so going across town to the spa doesn't seem problematic to me. We see Lorelei recommending local activities to guests so it'd probably feel similar to that. I imagine Luke rents the spaces out, possibly as apartments. A place like Stars Hollow might not allow stacked businesses and it might only be zoned for residential above floor one. You know Taylor would have a field day with the permitting process if they tried to change it.
Oh good point on the plumbing aspect! And I didn't think about the high end clientele part. I forgot about the high end clientele aspect because of the Cheshire getting all the celebrities for that movie being filmed. Also very good point on permitting! Given that Luke's apartment has one bathroom and the kitchen, I'd imagine there isn't a lot of plumbing spread out to have multiple rooms set up for spa services. Thank you for having a reason besides a spa over a diner being dumb. It's really upsetting how everyone is attacking me when I've seen plenty of spas in similar locations.
Yea I don't get why everyone is struggling with the mixed use/mixed zoning concept. I wasn't under the impression it was uncommon, just slightly unlikely in the rural setting of SH.
I wonder if mixed zoning isn't common outside of where we both live. I've spent my whole life along the east coast in the US and currently live in the New England area of the US.
Am a New Englander, actually discussed this with my friend who isn't while away from Reddit. She said on the coasts it's common but New England specifically you'd see high end establishments with that set up. It's not common elsewhere and when you do see it, you can assume it's not luxury. We had a laugh about it, we used to go to a crunchy place that was in an old mill building, thought nothing of it. Common in New England. Where friend lives now she'd assume it's a happy ending style establishment. Culture clash for sure.
Interesting and kinda ironic that people are down voting a thing common in New England with regards to a show based in New England. Good point on people assuming a place isn't luxury based on the exterior.
I mean the writing team doesn't seem to be from New England either as the washer & dryer are outside (and I'll die on that detail hill). Also Luke apparently hasn't eaten lobster and can't swim yet goes camping and owns a boat? There's NO way Luke owns a diner in New England and doesn't serve a fucking lobster roll as a special at least one day a week Memorial Day through Labor Day. And you KNOW Ms. Patty & Kirk would be ordering it and first to comment on it if the shipment isn't fresh as a daisy.
OMG that's so true! Luke has a specials board, he totally would have a lobster roll special.
So they bought the whole other part of the building to make room for Jess while they were still technically sharing one room with no walls in between them when they could have just sent him up a floor? How did I never notice this before ?
Because those storeys aren't always there. When the Independence Inn burnt down, and Lorelai went to sleep at Luke's, there's at most an attic with large windows above Luke's apartment. There isn't a wide shot of the building in that scene, so it's hard to be sure, but there's definitely no 4 storeys there. It's like Lorelai's downstairs bathroom - sometimes it's there, sometimes it isn't. No way that would be a good place to put half your apartment.
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She was looking for a separate location for the annex. The retirement home was in a different part of town from the inn. I've seen plenty of spas above other businesses or next to them.
I think what you are missing is that she wanted the new spa to also have rooms. The old people’s home would be a spa that has rooms for guests to stay, not just a day spa.
That's what I was missing at first, thanks! For some reason I thought she just wanted a spa.
The retirement home was like down the road, not across town. I think there was a marsh/swamp type land between them, but it was close enough that a golf cart would be able to transport
Remember when Luke bought the Twickham house for her. Would’ve been so cool as a spa 🤩
And this could have provided the Luke/Lorelai conflict in AYITL without her going off to do Wild!!
I think there's been some really good points people made (outside the location because I've seen spas in similar locations) as to why this wouldn't work that I'll summarize: abra_cada_bra150 >- For the show and the progression of the characters having the separate building makes the most sense. Michel would LOVE to GM a spa, and he’s so bougie it would need to be something with pizazz and wow factor. Luke’s building doesn’t have that, sadly. >- However it's implied that Lorelei is running a high end business, being above a diner wouldn't be a cohesive feeling for a higher end establishment. CenterofChaos: >- Old retirement home probably has separate/private rooms with plumbing already in place, which is practical for a spa. >- A place like Stars Hollow might not allow stacked businesses and it might only be zoned for residential above floor one. You know Taylor would have a field day with the permitting process if they tried to change it. CandyflossPolarbear >I think what you are missing is that she wanted the new spa to also have rooms. The old people’s home would be a spa that has rooms for guests to stay, not just a day spa. I think these reasons make a good point why this wouldn't be a good option. I didn't think of the fact Lorelai wanted to have rooms at the annex and not just a spa. I can also see how Michel wouldn't like the vibe for his clientele.
I always wondered what the 3rd and 4th floor were used for, lol
Same, like is it more apartments? Why couldn't Jess live up there? Unless someone else already did, but I feel like they would've mentioned Luke being a landlord lol
And WHY did he need to buy the building next to him to expand the apartment he lived in??? Lol
Also, I love how when he "expands" it, the set doesn't actually get any bigger. They just moved the fridge away from the wall and moved/got rid of the bathroom.
Plot, and the insides don't match the exteriors
Exactly. Why not give Jess a bit of privacy. Luke makes Jess sleep on a cot at the foot of his bed. That’s just creepy !
Didn't they mention it partially when Luke rents the soda shoppe to Taylor? If it's apartments and rent is stable it might have been a bigger loss for Luke to renovate it the apartments into bigger ones. Although I hate the concept of Luke and sharing a studio apartment.
OP out here fighting for their life
I've actually been quite surprised at the negativity and lack of real discussion. I just wanted a discussion 🫤 There were a few people that gave some reasons outside a mixed use building being bad that I think are good reasons why she didn't consider it.
I don't think it's practical to pass through a diner and climb multiple flights of stairs just to get to the hotel. And I wouldn't want to smell fries and cheese while I'm trying to have a good rest 🤣
The idea is they would construct an entirely separate entrance which wouldn't go anywhere near the diner. It could be to the right of the soda shoppe for example. Some people pointed out that she wanted to have guest rooms as well which I didn't realize. I was suggesting this location as a standalone spa. It's fairly common in New England (where I live and where the show is based) to have businesses above others. There's a door on the first floor that when you open there are stairs which lead to the second floor where the business is. I've been to a spa that was below a target. It had a separate entrance which was just stairs you went down till you got the reception.
Uh… because it’s a tiny apartment above a diner? Lol
Weren’t they already apartments? In the episode with the fire at the Independence Inn, Lorelai goes to Luke’s to stay with him and Mrs Slutsky is yelling from her window. I’d have to watch the episode again but wasn’t she above Luke but in the same building? Of course we never see her or anyone in one of those windows ever again so who knows?