LA GRANDE — An unexpected message from its landlord threw the future of Capelli Hair Salon, a La Grande staple for over 30 years, into peril.

Owners Kim Brown and Wayne Brown found out on Dec. 13 that The Carrington Company — a commercial real estate investment and management firm based in Eureka, California — would not be renewing the salon’s lease, and Capelli Hair Salon would need to be out of the La Grande Town Center by Jan. 31, 2024.

“It’s just overwhelming,” Kim Brown said at the time. “This space was perfect.”

It can be difficult to find a rental space that works well for a hair salon, Brown said. In addition to all the specific requirements needed to set up the equipment, parking for customers can be a major issue.

In the email from The Carrington Company, Regional Director of Real Estate Brandon Bailey did offer the Browns an alternative rental space near Walmart in Island City. However, Kim Brown said it was unlikely she and her husband would rent through the company again after having the rug pulled out from under them.

And, according to Dec. 28 Facebook posts, the Browns won’t be risking their business by again renting from The Carrington Company — instead, Capelli Hair Salon will be joining forces with Londin Hair Company, 1103 Washington Ave., La Grande.

“Our goal is to secure the longevity of both salons,” Facebook posts from both salons stated, adding that “the collaboration just makes sense.”

The posts indicate that while all the details haven’t yet been worked out, the plan is for Kim Brown to take over the space on Washington and the salon will accommodate the stylists of both businesses.

Capelli Hair Salon had operated out of its Island Avenue location since the very beginning. The business originally opened as Botan Hair Salon in 1992 when the La Grande Town Center was still an indoor mall, according to longtime employee Theresa Taylor. Botan Hair Salon became Capelli Hair Salon when the business changed hands.

The Browns are the third owners of Capelli Hair Salon, Kim Brown said. She has been with the salon for 23 years, and 10 years ago she and her husband, Wayne, took over ownership of the business.

According to the email the Browns received from their landlord, The Carrington Company has signed a new lease agreement with another business, which will be taking over the entire 11,000 square feet of leasable space. Brown said the company would not say what business would be moving in.