Chicago Lifestyle Toy Store Play
Chicago Locals: Ann Kienzle *Play
I’m excited to share my newest personal project featuring my favorite small businesses in Logan Square Chicago. Having grown up in a communal culture - Haiti - I learned to pay attention to what makes a community tick. I gravitate towards those who make their small corner of the world feel special and who add to the fabric of their neighborhood. As such, I set out to get to know these locals-special people that make a neighborhood feel like home.
I’m calling this photo-essay, The Locals. Over a few months, I interviewed and photographed people and small businesses in Logan Square area; I’m pleased to share the result of that photo-essay with you.
The idea behind this project is to create an encyclopedia of Chicago Style. Chicago, as we know, has a personality and style of its own. Furthermore, each neighborhood of Chicago has its own voice. As a transplant from the North East, I find this city intoxicating. It is this allure that has me curious as to some of the lesser-known addresses and the people behind them.
The CHICAGO LOCALS will have interviews with people behind local businesses, food and design space.
We will feature small off-the-radar places, mom-and-pop shops, and local restaurants. My goal is to put a spotlight on the people, places and shops that make Chicago unique.
Towards the goal of building community, each Local shares with us, in turn, what they love about their neighborhood!
We’re starting with the Logan Square location of *Play toy store. We've linked to their website in case you want to visit the other locations (Lincoln Park, West Loop, and Andersonville).
*Play
Located at 3109 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
We met with Ann Kienzle to discuss her 20 years in the toy industry, as well as the role the pandemic had on the shop. *Play Logan Square is one of three *Play shops. Anne uses her experience as a toy consultant to create a shop full of toys that are irresistible to children and adults. The shop is jam packed with toys specially picked for residents of Logan square.
I stop by *Play whenever I’m in the area and always at the end of summer to get a head start on birthday party season! As a bonus, *Play offers free gift wrapping which is a time saver and a treat!
Favorite place for breakfast/lunch in Logan Square?
The Duplex
Fave place for dinner?
The Whale
Fave place for drinks in Logan Square?
The Whale
Describe your perfect out-and-about weekend in Logan Square?
A walk in Palmer Park, the Farmer's Market, and a great brunch.
When people from out of town visit you, what's your go-to place you take them in Chicago.
Boat Tour
Where do you go for to eat something sweet (ice cream, donuts etc)
Bang Bang Pie
Where do you go to spend time with your family?
Logan Theater
Who's your favorite Logan Square Personality?
this is too hard to answer :)
Fave Vintage Shop?
Lost Girls
Fave mural?
Robin Williams mural
Where's your fave spot for coffee?
Sip of Hope
Where do you work out?
Palmer Park
Where do you go to buy gifts or something special?
Fleur (or *play obviously ;)
