Tina’s Barber & Style Shop demolished after 45 years as Warner Robins revitalization pushes forward
Operation Reawaken took another step toward revitalizing Warner Robins' downtown district on Tuesday with the demolition of Tina’s Barber & Style Shop.
WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Operation Reawaken took another step toward revitalizing Warner Robins’ downtown district on Tuesday with the demolition of Tina’s Barber & Style Shop.
Emotions ran high during the demolition, leaving longtime owners feeling bittersweet. Tina’s had served the community for 45 years; it was a staple where generations of residents—including many from Robins Air Force Base—gathered for haircuts and trims.
“It’s breaking my heart, but there’s nothing that we can do,” said the original owner, Tina. Her daughter, who later took over the salon, said, “Seeing the shop being demolished, it’s bittersweet.”
Despite the physical building being reduced to rubble, the memories created will last forever.
“I love you all very much from the bottom of my heart, and God bless you all for all these years. I did the job for you. All with all my heart too,” Tina added.
This marks the sixth demolition in a larger project aimed at transforming downtown Warner Robins into a vibrant space where residents can live, work and thrive.
“We want a downtown area so that individuals who move here can have a space where they can live, work, play and thrive,” Warner Robins Mayor LaRhonda Patrick said. “And that’s what we want. That’s what we need. In order to do that, we have to take away some old to build something new.”
Mayor Patrick also extended heartfelt sympathy to the landowners impacted by the project.
“I know that their spaces mean something special to them in their heart,” she added.
After the demolition phase, Mayor Patrick says they will assess the soil to identify and remove any contaminants.
City officials say community feedback will play a critical role in shaping the final vision. Residents are encouraged to view the renderings and submit their input through the city’s official website at www.wrga.gov.
