Updated Dec. 31 to include a response from Gene Juarez

The Gene Juarez Academy North Campus, located at 24255 Van Ry Blvd. #A4 in Mountlake Terrace, is no more as the cosmetology training location has closed.

Crews were seen during the last week of December moving equipment and supplies out of the 15,000- square-foot commercial space and removing the outdoor signage.

The cosmetology school had been conducting classes at the location since 2013, when the cosmetology school moved its North Campus from Northgate to Mountlake Terrace.

A letter at the front door of the former location states, “Gene Juarez Academy made the difficult decision to close the North Campus due to challenges brought on by the ongoing pandemic as well as a decline in enrollment.” The letter says that Oct. 28 was the final day for guest services at the locale.

The Academy North Campus conducted classes for cosmetology students enrolled in 13-month programs. The company boasted that the location had 110 training stations for the students and welcomed customers to receive hair, makeup and nail consultations and to have their hair cut, colored, permed or styled.

The opening of the Gene Juarez Academy North Campus in Mountlake Terrace was heralded by city leaders at the time as significant for the Gateway Plaza business district. A ribbon-cutting event, attended by city officials and Gene Juarez Salon and Spa executives, was held at the location in January 2013 commemorating the training school’s opening.

— Story and photos by Doug Petrowski