After over two decades in Belltown, the renowned Gary Manuel Salon is making a significant move to the historic Pioneer Square neighborhood in Seattle. The salon, celebrated for its exceptional hair services and urban sophistication, is set to open its doors in August at a spacious, three-story location. This new address, formerly home to the Ibiza Dinner Club, places Gary Manuel Salon in the heart of Pioneer Square, joining a vibrant mix of upscale boutiques and dining establishments, including E. Smith Mercantile, Velouria, and restaurants by Matt Dillon, as well as the iconic Smith Tower.
Owner Manuel Benevich expresses enthusiasm about the relocation, stating, “There’s a really great spirit in Pioneer Square right now. We’ve always been an urban company, and having a location that reflects our community has always been important to us.” This sentiment is reflected in the salon’s design, which emphasizes openness and connection. Reclaimed hardwood floors and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows create an inviting atmosphere, seamlessly blending the salon space with the surrounding Pioneer Square environment.
J’Keren Sears, Gary Manuel’s assistant director, highlights the salon’s commitment to creating a welcoming and interactive space. “It’s really a shared space,” Sears explains, pointing to features like charging ports at each styling station and a lofted mezzanine overlooking the main floor. This design intentionally minimizes barriers, fostering a sense of community within the salon and with the neighborhood it now calls home.
The choice of a historic building in Pioneer Square also carries a deeper meaning for Gary Manuel Salon. It serves as a tribute to the salon’s cofounder, the late Gary Howse, who passed away in 2014. Both Sears and Benevich emphasize Howse’s affinity for the area. “Gary loved the history and the architecture of Pioneer Square,” Sears recalls. Benevich adds, “Pioneer Square is where Seattle started. We’re moving down to where the city started, and he would have loved that.” This move to Pioneer Square is not just a change of address for Gary Manuel Salon; it’s an embrace of Seattle’s history and a continuation of the salon’s urban identity in a neighborhood rich with character and spirit.
