The Football Performance Complex at The University of Oregon measures in at 6 stories and 145,000 square feet of modern amenities that is afforded to the most successful in professional sports. Including; weight room, media rooms, cafeteria, trophy room, locker room, marble showers imported from Italy, two auditoriums, coaches offices, the list is extensive but we are interested in the barber shop.

The building was donated by former track star and Nike co-founder Phil Knight (‘59). The design was carefully planned by ZGF and Firm 151, “during the design, the architects tried to be mindful of all the efficiencies that could be built into the building” says Craig Pintens University of Oregon Senior Associate Athletic Director Marketing & Public Relations.

The world of college football is extremely competitive and athletes are not only sought after for their physical ability but also for their aptitude to succeed off the field. The University of Oregon has numerous gridiron achievements and the Ducks can add a state of the art Football Performance Center to their arsenal.

It is a union of technology and functionality with the goal of building a top-notch athlete that can compete to the best of their abilities. Not only did the Ducks focus on health and fitness but also gave athletes a space where they can have their important needs met and that included Howard’s Barber Shop. According to Craig, “our student-athletes had previously spent a lot of time cutting each other’s hair inside and outside the locker room, so this provides a specific space to do so.  We have a barber who comes in once a week and cuts hair at the student rate, per NCAA rules.”

Howard’s Barber Shop is a blend of style, class, and tradition, “the chair is new with vintage styling from Takara Belmont, Firm151 customized the chair with the UO logo on the headrest. For finishes, we used durable Corian casework + wall finishes, as well as a full mirror wall with an integrated wall mount TV. The flooring is solid walnut. The display case that is wall mounted in the barbershop was custom made + highlights barber tools hand selected [specifically for the project] from G. Lorenzi’s, a small museum-like shop in Milan, Italy” says Craig.

Countless studies have shown that well-groomed men are confident and successful. The Football Performance Center does an outstanding job equipping athletes as a whole, not only to make on field tackles but also tackle the daily grind and does not neglect the importance of grooming.  GO DUCKS!

Thank you
Craig Pittens from University Of Oregon, ZGF Architect and Firm 151
Photos courtesy of: Jeremy Bitterman, Eckert & Eckert 

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