The Salon at Philtower: Amanda and Ashley style the new within heritage of the old

What better place for my friends Amanda Woolman Burn and Ashley Thompson to open their new salon, but in the lobby of the grand Philtower building - actually in the same corner where a “Barber Shop” existed for many years.

Amanda is a nail technician, offering manicures and pedicures; Ashley is a hair stylist. The two have worked together in various shops over the years, but finally ventured out on their own in one of Tulsa’s finest and most renowned examples of architecture.

Of course, their salon is called quite simply, “The Salon at Philtower.”

Amanda and Ashley's patrons will follow wherever they go, and for some, navigating the one-way streets and downtown parking has been a challenge. But, once you enter the lobby of the magnificent Philtower building, it absolutely takes your breath away.

Built in 1927, the Philtower Building in Tulsa, Oklahoma, represents the late Gothic Revival style embellished with Art Deco details. Located on Boston Avenue, Tulsa’s premiere architectural corridor, it was conceived of as the link between the then-proposed Union Train Station to the north and the soaring Boston Avenue Methodist Church to the south. Features in this amazing 24-story building include marble travertine, brass, mahogany walls and fabulous chandeliers.

The building included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Salon at Philtower: Amanda and Ashley style the new within heritage of the old

Downtown Tulsa seems poised to undergo a renaissance of sorts, a return of the relevance that characterized it in the heady days of the Oil Boom and the decades that followed. Recently downtown has seen a revitalization of the Brady Arts District and the passage of a proposal to build a world-class arena, among other exciting developments. The Philtower converted floors 12-20 to private luxury residences, creating Tulsa’s first ever mixed-use high rise.

I can’t write about Tulsa architecture without mentioning local artist, Celeste Vaught, who is on

a journey of painting Tulsa architecture in her new Series, Tulsa, Brick x Brick. Celeste has painted the entrance of the Philtower Building, included in this post. Celeste’s paintings highlight the heritage of Tulsa Architecture and can be found on her web site. 

If you’re looking for a great hair cut and style, manicured fingers and toes and a huge piece of Tulsa’s rich history, look no further than the Salon at Philbrook. Call for an appointment: 918-808-0943 or friend Amanda on Facebook.

Lori is a residential Realtor serving the greater Tulsa area, and specializing in midtown Tulsa real estate. Please visit Lori’s web site, LoriCain.com or call 918-852-5036.