Eye candy of the Week

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Properties: Mug and Brush, 1501 S. Washington Ave., Lansing;

Eastside Barber Shop, 2002 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing
Assessed: Mug and Brush, $13,600; Eastside, $19,900
Owners: Mug and Brush, Roy Grubb; Eastside, Garry and Ann Grimm

Architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn says: The barbershop occupies a cherished place in the archetype of Americana. It’s a place where residents gather, share local stories and news, and of course, get hairs cut. The Eastside Barber Shop and the Mug and Brush are two of Lansing’s most delightful barbershops that make good use of the city’s smallest and most special structures.

Who doesn’t have a fond memory of a barbershop? The smell of cologne, the brush they use to whack away leftover hairs ... .

But you can’t think about a barbershop without those red, white and blue poles, and the Mug and Brush and Eastside Barbershop have kept that tradition alive in charming buildings.

Eastside is in a classic red brick storefront building in the heart of the Michigan Avenue commercial district. The Mug and Brush is an example of adaptive reuse in REO Town occupying a terra cotta-style roof and brick structure. Owner Roy Grubb says, “in the 1950s (the shop) was a gas station. I bought and remodeled in it 1974, been here ever since, it’s a great place to be.”

— Neal McNamara

“Eye candy of the Week" is our weekly look at some of the nicer properties in Lansing. It rotates each with Eyesore of the Week. If you have a suggestion, please e-mail eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call Neal McNamara at 371-5600 ex. 17.

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