After gracing Belltown for 23 years, Gary Manuel Salon has opened its doors in a new Pioneer Square location in August. The salon has taken over a significant 4,378-square-foot, three-story space, previously home to the Ibiza Dinner Club, marking it as the latest lifestyle destination to join this revitalized historic neighborhood. Gary Manuel Salon Pioneer Square joins a vibrant community that includes boutique shops like E. Smith Mercantile and Velouria, and upscale dining from renowned chefs, all contributing to the unique atmosphere of Pioneer Square, Seattle.
“There’s an incredible energy in Pioneer Square right now,” shares salon owner Manuel Benevich. “As a company deeply rooted in the urban landscape, establishing ourselves in a location that truly resonates with our community has always been a priority.” This philosophy is clearly reflected in the salon’s design, which emphasizes openness and connection. Reclaimed hardwood floors extend throughout the space, complemented by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that seamlessly merge the salon environment with the bustling Pioneer Square neighborhood outside.
J’Keren Sears, Gary Manuel’s assistant director, elaborates on the design concept: “It’s truly envisioned as a shared space. From incorporating charging ports at each styling station for our guests’ convenience to the elevated mezzanine level that overlooks the main salon floor, the design intentionally breaks down barriers, fostering a sense of community both within the salon and with the neighborhood.”
This move to a historic building in Pioneer Square also carries a deeper significance, serving as a tribute to the salon’s co-founder, the late Gary Howse, who passed away in August 2014. “Gary was always captivated by the rich history and unique architecture of Pioneer Square,” Sears recalls. Benevich adds, “Pioneer Square represents the very origin of Seattle. We are relocating to the heart of the city’s beginnings, a move that we know Gary would have wholeheartedly embraced and celebrated.”
