Work at 211 E. Center St., Warsaw, is shown on Tuesday, April 9. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Following a fire in 2022, Bar’Lon Haircuts For Men is open during ongoing renovations.

Bar’Lon is a men’s salon, according to its website, and includes services such as haircuts, beard trims and shampoos.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, an apartment above Bar’Lon at 211 E. Center St., Warsaw, caught fire. Multiple fire departments were dispatched.

“We were able to reopen Bar’Lon Haircuts for Men and Mirabilia Massage back in the building in May 2023,” said Bar’Lon owner Crystal Reed. During the initial renovations, Bar’Lon and Mirabilia Massage sublet a space with The Lab, a device repair shop, at 120 E. Center St., Warsaw.

“Bar’Lon had water and smoke damage. It was restored and we made some new cosmetic updates,” Reed said. Mi Lindo Acapulco, a Mexican restaurant located next to Bar’Lon at the time of the fire, has relocated, Reed said. The former restaurant space will be turned back into two commercial units.

Reed credited Bar’Lon’s insurance company, Farmers Insurance, for their assistance.

“Without their unbelievable customer service and eagerness to help me, I don’t know what I would have done,” she said.

Reed also thanked the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, “their response time and attention to detail was amazing!”

According to Reed, four of the building’s six residents were able to move back in to their apartments March 2023, and five of the six apartments only had smoke damage. Lake City Restoration is conducting some ongoing renovation work. 

“The burned apartment was a total loss. It was rebuilt from framing to finish,” she said.  “We decided the apartment was very outdated. So instead of just remedying the smoke damage, we are doing a remodel.”

“The front of the building has had a major face lift,” said Reed. “Two balconies will be mounted very soon.”

Work to the front of the building is being conducted by JMH Building, according to Reed.

Additional renovation work included the wall on the east side of the building, where the Warsaw Community Public Library’s staff parking is located. Reed said the entire 37 feet-by-25 feet wall had to be replaced, which was done by Butt and Timmons Construction.

“The library has been very forgiving and patient with all of us during the renovations,” said Reed. “We are so thankful that Butt and Timmons were willing to take on this huge project. They did a great job! It was also crazy fast. They were very pleasant to work with.”

After reopening in its original location, Bar’Lon has stayed open during the renovations.

“As a business owner, it has not been too bad working through the renovations,” said Reed. “I believe the residential tenants and our clients would agree that it has been a long, noisy journey. It has definitely had its inconvenience, but we have all enjoyed being back home.”

Reed estimated the apartment and two commercial units will be finished early in the summer.