The retail strip on and around the Connecticut Avenue corridor in Chevy Chase, DC has been going through some fairly significant changes over the past few years, somewhat indicative of changes in retail in general. A number of classic neighborhood locales have closed, being replaced by lots of new businesses. When places come and go, how much of what used to be remains? Do the spirits of stores past linger in some way? For me, the space at 3813 Livingston St NW is a great example of how a respect for the past can be thoughtfully woven in with exciting new ventures while helping to maintain the unique character of this charming and wonderful neighborhood.
I fondly remember when “Finials Antiques” occupied this address a number of years ago. Barbara, the owner of Finials, filled her store with life through fun, quirky and thoughtfully collected antiques. Her window displays were refreshingly eclectic and super creative. Barbara could often be found behind the counter tinkering with a chandelier or fixing up an antique dresser, and she always had fun stories to share.
Later, this space became the new home to “Full of Beans”, a fabulous children’s clothing store with original and adorable fashions for little ones. “Full of Beans” was a neighborhood fixture for some 33 years between its spot on Connecticut Avenue and more recently this location until its closure in 2019. Mare filled the space with thoughtfully displayed kids’ clothing, toys and fun kids’ themed items. Her displays were works of art down to the last detail and her shop was my go to spot for unique baby shower gifts.
Both Finials and Full of Beans were headed by creative entrepreneurial women who clearly loved their work and were excited to share their talents with the neighborhood. I believe their good energy lives on in the new gorgeous adaptation of this much loved space.
“Park Story” which opened in November of 2019, is a beautifully curated life and style boutique featuring both local and independent brands. The store is owned by Meghan Evans and represents her unique aesthetic. Meghan first sold her clothing collection in addition to other local brands at a pop-up shop in the Mosaic District in Virginia, where Park Story was born.
The items showcased include gorgeous clothing (some from Meghan’s own collection in addition to many other local or independent makers), jewelry, leather goods, pillows, rugs and beautiful art, creams etc. Meghan describes her style as “feminine, modern and tailored”, and her attention to detail and exceptional taste comes through in every item found in the store. Meghan told me that she would never design a clothing piece that she didn’t love herself, and it is clear that every product and designer that she has chosen to represent in her store make up an assortment of carefully collected favorite things. Meghan has many local makers showcased in the store, but above all else, her commitment is to Ethical and Sustainable Makers who typically are not mass produced. Most of the makers are people who cut and sew their own goods.
As Meghan explains on here website: “Park Story” has dual meaning: “Park is meant to reflect the community of entrepreneurs that I’ve come to call friends and Story reflects the fact that all the products we carry have a story as they are an extension of the makers, artists and designers who dreamed them up”.
When Meghan was envisioning the space for her retail shop, “Park Story” she wanted more than anything to make it easy for the consumer to see the product. She wanted the space to feel both beautiful and neutral, so that it could act as an uncluttered backdrop to all of the unique pieces she would be showcasing.
Many of the interior elements of the space have been maintained. The assets that really set this space apart include the tin ceiling, the lovely raised display window looking out on Livingston St NW, and the light-filled skylight. The high ceilings and clean white walls, along with re-finished existing oak floors, and a few touches of new lighting, create a clean, bright and neutral aesthetic which acts as the perfect backdrop for all of the unique pieces on display. The layout of the store contributes to the overall crisp and inviting look of the space with the middle being open and airy and clothing running along both sides of the shop. Simple white tables march down the center of the store, creating an uninterrupted calm on which all of the richly storied pieces are displayed. There is a museum like quality to the space with gorgeous colors and textures creating a contrast with the neutral shell. The white walls and extra tall ceilings create an inviting and open space, that fully shows off the beauty of all the interesting pieces inside.
A black and white custom floral wallcovering acts as a whimsical backdrop behind the quartz countertop and white cabinetry of the cash wrap at the back of the store. This same motif is repeated at the signage on the front of the store and makes up the company logo.
Please check out this beautiful and inspiring new space. And take the time to meet Meghan. She is warm and approachable and loves to chat with customers about the stories behind each of the products she sells and the makers she represents. Meghan also holds events in the space, like a painting class offered by one of the artists whose stunning artwork can be found on display in Park Story.
Meghan and her shop are a fantastic addition to the Chevy Chase, DC neighborhood. Thoughtful and creative endeavors like this lovely shop give me hope for the future.
Enjoy!
Park Story https://www.shopparkstory.com/
3813 Livingston St NW
Washington, DC 20015