First National Center barber shop in downtown OKC reopened with

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Jul 31, 2008 by Kelley Chambers

Much of the leaseable space in the First National Center can be outfitted for a tenant's needs, but one space on the 14th floor could hardly be anything but a barber shop.

Since the First National tower was built in 1931, a 929-square- foot space looking east has been a barber shop, where the art-deco decor has changed little in nearly 80 years.

But last year it closed after the owners of the shop declined to sign a five-year lease that included a rent increase.

The shop sat vacant until Jamie White came on the scene hoping to open her first barber shop.

White has been working at the Nichols Hills Plaza Style Shop for the past 3.5 years, training for the day she would open her own salon.

Downtown was her desired spot, but she considered other sites before the space in First National won her over.

"I was in negotiations with two other buildings downtown," she said. "But once I saw this shop I was like, 'Wow.'"

The shop, called the Barber Salon, still has many of its original fixtures, including black and white glass tiles on the walls, black porcelain sinks and mirrors lining the walls behind the barber chairs.

"You can just feel a positive spirit and flow in this barber shop," White said.

The shop will open Friday, staffed by White and four other stylists. They plan to cater to men and will offer haircuts, manicures, pedicures and waxing.

"We're trying to make it just a barber shop," White said.

A room has also been added to the space to offer privacy.

"A lot of men don't want to sit in a shop and get a pedicure," White said.

Lee Hill cut hair in the 14th floor barber shop for 26 years. When the shop closed last year she rode the elevator down to the 7th floor and got a job at Inspiration Hair and Nails.

"I'm staying here," she said. "I came down here when it closed up there and this has just worked out great and I don't see any reason to change."

But Hill said she is glad to see the 14th floor shop reopening, and wished White success.

"We'll do all we can to help her out," Hill said. "I really like what she's done with the shop."

Tommy Caldwell, who formerly shined shoes on the 14th floor, also moved to Inspiration last year. White said she plans to refer those seeking a shoeshine to him.

In addition to the private pedicure room, White has reupholstered the barber chairs and installed a flat-screen television so customers can watch the news and keep an eye on their stocks.

The salon will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

White hasn't ruled out opening on Saturdays if the demand exists.

White said the management of the building, Milbank Real Estate Services, has been more than helpful in getting the shop ready to reopen.

"I came in and told them what I wanted," she said. "Pretty much everything was here, it just needed a little polish."