Glen Dow Academy of Hair Design & Salons Inc., located in downtown Spokane at 309 W. Riverside, is closing after 55 years of business.

The Spokane beauty school’s last day in business will be March 8, says Jennifer Von Doehren, daughter of the school’s founder, Glen Dow.

Von Doehren is now in the process of putting the property up for sale. She is working with Jim Quigley, of Spokane-based commercial real estate brokerage Kiemle Hagood.

Von Doehren is the executor of the estate for her late brother Martin Dow, who owned Glen Dow Academy before passing away in 2016. Her brother had purchased the school after their father retired in 2007.

“I’ve tried to sell the business for the past eight years, and it just hasn’t worked out for a viable buyer to step in,” says Von Doehren, who lives in Tacoma, Washington. “So it’s time, after 55 years of being in business and being a huge success in the Spokane community. The legacy needed to be retired.”

Von Doehren, who is approaching her mid-70s, says she wants to be able to enjoy her retirement without having to manage the school.

Most students currently enrolled at Glen Dow Academy are transferring to Studio Beauty School, in Spokane Valley, Von Doehren says. Those who were set to graduate in February will still be able to do so.

Glen Dow is now 93 years old, and while he hasn’t been involved with the school in years, he is aware and supportive of the decision to close, Von Doehren says.

“It’s a bittersweet moment,” she says.