Barber buys historic College Street building housing his shop

A historic College Street building is under new ownership as a barbershop operator seeks to strengthen his footprint about a year into business.

Pip’s Beardcraeft and Barber LLC closed this month on the purchase of the 930 W. College St. building that has housed his shop since January 2025, previously under a lease, said West Central Neighborhood Alliance President Duane Keys, who spoke on behalf of Pip's via email. The purchase price was undisclosed.

Owner James “Pip” Stapp opened Pip’s Beardcraeft at the location after working at Rogue Barber Co. LLC for about five years, Keys said.

The approximately 520-square-foot building had previously housed Peggy’s Beauty Salon for decades along Route 66, according to a news release. Keys said interior and exterior branding work have been conducted, and renovations are underway this week to bring the space up to four barber chairs from two.

“Buying this building felt right,” Stapp said in the release. “Peggy’s left a mark on this neighborhood. We’re proud to keep the spirit of that place going while adding a new chapter to College Street and Route 66.”

Pip's also recently was awarded a Preserve Route 66 Legacy Business Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, according to the release. The amount was $10,000, Keys said.

The grant will go toward the design and installation of a Route 66-themed streetside sign that would restore the signpost in front of the building.

"The project supports ongoing efforts to preserve and interpret the stories of this historic but underserved stretch of roadway," officials said in the release. "Design and permitting for the new sign will begin after the new year, with fabrication and installation planned ahead of the Route 66 centennial."