After gracing the corner of Blanchard and First in Belltown for 23 years, Gary Manuel Salon is embarking on an exciting new chapter. The esteemed salon is set to open its doors in August at a brand-new location in the heart of Pioneer Square. This move places Gary Manuel Salon at 4,378-square-foot, three-story space formerly occupied by the Ibiza Dinner Club, marking them as the latest lifestyle destination to join this vibrant historic neighborhood. They will be neighbors with other unique businesses like E. Smith Mercantile and Velouria boutiques, and upscale dining experiences from Matt Dillon, not to mention the iconic, newly renovated Smith Tower.
“There’s an incredible energy in Pioneer Square right now,” explains owner Manuel Benevich. “As a company deeply rooted in the urban landscape, finding a location that resonates with our community has always been a priority for us.” This philosophy is clearly reflected in the salon’s open and inviting design. The space features beautifully reclaimed hardwood floors throughout and is bathed in natural light thanks to expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, seamlessly connecting the salon’s atmosphere with the lively pulse of Pioneer Square. J’Keren Sears, Gary Manuel’s assistant director, emphasizes this sense of openness: “It truly is a shared space. Everything from the convenient charging ports available at each styling station for our guests, to the elevated mezzanine level that overlooks the main salon floor, is intentionally designed to break down barriers, fostering connection within our space and with the surrounding neighborhood.”
This historic building will also serve as a lasting tribute to Gary Howse, the salon’s beloved cofounder who passed away in August 2014. “Gary had a deep appreciation for the history and architectural charm of Pioneer Square,” Sears recalls. Benevich adds, “Pioneer Square represents the very origins of Seattle. Our relocation to the city’s birthplace is something he would have truly cherished.”
