The Historical Lawson Building, located at 1712 N. Mesa became the new iconic home of Gentlemens Republic. Built in 1913-1914 by Henry Trost for Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Milton Lawson, Mr. Trost built about 220 buildings in El Paso and this was one of his favorites as it was built with the backdrop of the mountains behind it. The El Paso Times newspaper quoted in 1933-:

“Mr. Trost was one, who let himself be known for his works, rather than by his words, and one who made a valid and long lasting contribution to this great region. His was a life of great purpose and achievement and his leaves the southwest richer for his having lived and worked in it”

The home construction consists of being a 2 story building with simple lines, masterful proportions, a plastered exterior and most interestingly was constructed with concrete casted molds. It has wide projecting stone cornices, wooden carved overhangs, and the special handsome concrete coping, including the two front large concrete casted windows with an arched front opening to showcase the grandeur of the stunning home, with a gorgeous view of downtown El Paso. Mr. Lawson was born in 1879 in Washington DC, a civil engineer by trade, and was only 34 years old when he moved his family to El Paso to dedicate himself to his life work, his concern was our most precious resource- water. He was appointed by President Coolidge in 1927-1954 as the American Commissioner of the International Boundary & Water Commission. One of his most distinguished and proudest negotiations was the 1944 Water Treaty between The United States & Mexico.

Mr. Lawson was a noted engineer, and absolutely loved El Paso and was a very generous philanthropist throughout the southwest region. His daughter Laura Lawson was even crowned Ms. Chihuahua. He passed away quietly at the age of 84, in 1963 in his own home. The house was then sold and became home to the Kerr Family Law Firm in the 60’s-70’s. It was sold to Sonny Corral, who turned the house into the famed and famous Hair Odyssey Hair Salon in 1977. It was the go-to hair place for the Who’s Who of El Paso from 1977-2008.

Sadly Mr. Corral passed away at the age of 74 from a prolonged battle with cancer. It was then sold once again and turned into Salon 1712 from 2008-2013. Ms. Mercedez then seized the opportunity in 2014 and being a general contractor herself, she took immense pleasure in personally bringing the historical home back to its original glory by putting in some work herself from sanding the floors, landscaping, painting, and decorating it to highlight its great architectural bones. From its inception Gentlemens Republic has set the bar of excellence extremely high and even though many have tried to imitate it, no one can duplicate the iconic home of the EXPERTS IN MEN'S GROOMING.