NATCHEZ — The foot baths are in and the chairs, although still wrapped in plastic, are in place, and the first business in the newly renovated Commercial Bank building on 409 Franklin St. is almost ready to open.

The Belle Nouveaux Salon and Spa, owned by Toby Williams, will house two other stylists, four masseuses and will also provide manicures and pedicures.

The salon, which occupies 8,000 square feet in the back of the building, is a wide open space with exposed brick walls, covered partially with sheet rock. The building has a very modern feel to it, which is unique in Natchez, Williams said.

“I’m trying to go more elegant by having less,” he said.

Williams was putting the finishing touches on the salon and waiting for Entergy to turn on the electricity Monday, and expects to open sometime this week.

But progress on the building doesn’t stop with Belle Nouveaux.

John Peterson, who is developing the building with his son Ben, said they expect to have several businesses to make the location a one-stop shopping destination for downtown.

“Having other people is going to bring them other business,” Peterson said. “If you’ve got one shop on that street it might be a little tough, but if you’ve got eight or 10 shops they can help each other out.”

And several of the stores that plan to move into the building also cater to the clientele of the salon.

Peterson is in discussion with a woman about opening a women’s clothing boutique, and also expects a gift shop and a store that makes personalized cards. Peterson is also in talks with a woman from Branson, Mo. about opening an art gallery in the 7,000 square foot basement.

Peterson expects the first wave of stores to begin opening in November and expects to begin developing the condominiums that occupy the second and third floors by the end of the year.

“You know how they have model homes, well we’re going to do a model condo,” Peterson said.

The model will allow people to see the basic setup, but still be able to customize things like flooring, molding cabinets and other accessories, as well adjusting the size of rooms.

Retail space is still available and anyone interested should contact Charlotte Copeland with Century 21.