Movers unloading yesterday at the site of the proposed Jane Club, planned to open this week at 236 S. Larchmont Blvd.
There’s lots of buzz in the Windsor Square community this week about a new supportive women’s work space and daycare center scheduled to launch Thursday at a residence at 236 S. Larchmont Blvd. The concept was created by actress June Diane Raphael, of ‘Grace & Frankie,’ and producer Jess Zaino to provide working moms a supportive place where they can relax and recharge.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the two women want to create a “matriarchal oasis” where working women can take care of themselves and their kids.
I remember one day literally putting breast milk in an Uber from set and having it sent to the house,” says Grace & Frankie actress June Diane Raphael from a zero-scaped [sic] Hancock Park garden. Nearby, movers and painters transform a 1924 cottage-style home into what will soon be The Jane Club, a members-only refuge tailored to the needs of a working Hollywood mom like Raphael, with a screening space, recording studio (in a reconfigured bedroom closet) and even a place for children under the direction of Books and Cookies creator Chudney Ross, daughter of Diana Ross.
Together, Raphael and Zaino decided to create a “matriarchal oasis” where work and self-care are both high on the menu: Along with customizable office amenities, meeting areas and a breastfeeding space, the club will offer blowouts, Botox, manicures, yoga and dance classes, even laundry services. There’s also an on-demand supply of coffee, juices and wine, to be enjoyed in solitude or in the company of others. “When they enter the door, one of the first things we ask is if any devices need to be charged,” says Zaino. “And at the end of the day they can take home prepared dinners for their family” — by placing orders through the Club with Lisa Rotundi’s Organic Families LA.
Since the announcement, some neighbors have taken to social media sites like NextDoor.com, asking how this kind of commercial use could be allowed in a single family residential neighborhood. Others have started contacting CD4 Council Member David Ryu and the Department of Building and Safety for more information and investigation. As of this writing, nine complaints have so far been filed online. Three have been closed but six remain under investigation according to the LADBS website.
A spokesman for Ryu’s office told the Buzz that they are looking into the matter, but would not have a position on it until they hear back from the Planning Department.
We stopped by the house on Tuesday and noticed movers unloading boxes. A young woman working with the movers said she said is aware of the neighbors’ questions and the business owners are “working on things right now.” We have reached out to the owners, both via the on-site assistant and the Jane Club website, and will report back when we have more information.
I’m a big fan of the Buzz, as you know, but I don’t appreciate free advertising in a headline for a business which seems to be— at least the business has never said it isn’t—violating Los Angeles zoning laws. Or you could even pull your punches and say in the first paragraph, not after lots of free positive publicity, that many people in the community have reported the business as violating City zoning restrictions protecting residential neighborhoods. Regarding the few complaints which have been dismissed, the city inspector said the reason was because there were so many complaints, some were duplicative.
I hope this business isn’t another Larchmont Bungalow.