Stephen Easley, a native of Pawhuska, and his wife Debra saw the Whiting apartment buildings, recognized their distinctive architecture, and hoped to restore them as part of their commitment to making Pawhuska their home and helping revitalize downtown. Active in the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce and already operating an auction business from their home, they wanted to use the downtown property as a new business location. Their research showed that a previous owner, James Teryian, had divided the building, selling the north 3/4's to the Burtons of Bartlesville and keeping the south quarter for his daughter, Adeline Teryian. The Easleys contacted Mrs. Burton about buying her portion and, after praying about the purchase price, met with her and heard stories of the Whiting Apartment Buildings as one of Pawhuska's prime places to stay. Her asking price exceeded what they were prepared to offer, but after Stephen finally told her their figure, she took time to consider it and accepted their offer the next day. The following year, members of the Teryian family approached the Easleys about purchasing the remaining portion of the building, and they bought that as well. Commercial Space 705 housed Frank McConnell in 1925, rear M. E. Peynor in 1928, Mrs. Francis Thomas Beauty Parlor in 1956, and Tayrein Real Estate in 1956. Commercial Space 707 housed John C. Phelps Furniture in 1928, Kihekah Indian Bead Work and Novelties in 1936, and Greagoff Electric in 1956.