Building Blocks: How a Childhood Passion Became a Chicago Neighborhood Treasure

Celebrating 30 Years of Imagination, Entrepreneurship, and the Joy of Play

Every great neighborhood has those special businesses that become part of its character—places that offer more than just products or services, but bring people together and create lasting memories. In Chicago, Building Blocks Toy Store is one of those places.

Behind this beloved independent toy store is Katherine McHenry, an entrepreneur whose love of retail, education, and children began long before she opened her first Chicago location in 1996.

An Entrepreneur from the Very Beginning

Katherine's entrepreneurial journey began at just nine years old in Queens, New York, when she purchased candy in bulk and began selling it from a Tupperware container in her family's apartment. She cleverly named her first business Kandie's Candies.

What might have seemed like a childhood pastime was actually the beginning of a lifelong passion for retail.

Throughout her teenage years and college, Katherine continued pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, selling men's clothing, electronics, and gifts to earn extra spending money. By age 14, she was working in a gift store, discovering how much she enjoyed helping customers. At 16, she and her uncle opened a gift shop together.

Even at a young age, Katherine understood something fundamental about retail: successful businesses are built not simply on what they sell, but on the relationships they create.

After entering the corporate world as a public accountant, Katherine quickly realized that her heart belonged in retail. The structured environment of accounting could not replace the creativity, personal interaction, and independence she found so rewarding as an entrepreneur.

Where Education and Play Come Together

There was another important part of Katherine's childhood that would eventually help shape her future.

Growing up, she loved pretending to be a schoolteacher, tutoring, and spending time with children. Education fascinated her, and she understood instinctively that children learn through curiosity, exploration, and play.

Combining her two great interests—entrepreneurship and childhood development—seemed like a natural fit.

In 1996, Katherine introduced Building Blocks Toy Store to Chicago, opening her first location in Lakeview.

Her vision was to offer families something different from a conventional toy store: carefully selected, high-quality toys that were not only entertaining but also encouraged learning, creativity, and developmental growth.

Building Blocks was founded on the belief that play is essential to childhood and that the right toys can inspire imagination, build confidence, encourage problem-solving, and bring families together.

Growing Alongside Chicago's Neighborhoods

What began as one independent toy store grew into a recognizable presence in Chicago's neighborhood retail landscape.

Following the success of its Lakeview location, Building Blocks expanded to Wicker Park in 2008.

Today, the business operates two neighborhood stores, at 3306 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lakeview and 2130 W. Division Street in Wicker Park.

Inside, customers can discover an extensive selection of toys, books, puzzles, games, arts and crafts, science kits, and activities for children of different ages and interests.

What distinguishes Building Blocks is its emphasis on the value of play and personal service. Rather than simply filling shelves with merchandise, the store focuses on helping families discover products that spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and make learning fun.

That philosophy has been at the heart of Katherine's business from the beginning.

A Business That Gives Back

Katherine's commitment to Chicago extends beyond the walls of her stores.

Over the years, Building Blocks has supported local schools, organizations, and neighborhood initiatives, recognizing that an independent business has an important role to play in the community it serves.

Like many small-business owners, Katherine has also navigated considerable challenges. In 2012, severe flooding caused substantial damage to the Lakeview store. The community responded with support, demonstrating the relationships Katherine had developed with her customers and neighbors.

Her contributions to the independent toy industry have also received national recognition.

In 2015, Katherine received the Retailer Excellence Award from the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA), an honor recognizing outstanding achievement in specialty toy retailing.

It was a fitting acknowledgment of an entrepreneur who had spent years championing independent businesses, supporting her community, and promoting the importance of play.

Why Neighborhood Businesses Matter

As a Chicago real estate broker, I have always believed that what makes a neighborhood special extends far beyond its homes and architecture. It is the independent businesses, local entrepreneurs, and personal connections that give each neighborhood its unique identity.

Building Blocks represents so much of what I appreciate about Chicago's neighborhoods.

It is the kind of business that adds character to a commercial street, gives families a reason to shop locally, and creates an experience that simply cannot be replicated by clicking a button online.

There is something especially meaningful about a business that has continued serving Chicago families through changing retail trends, economic challenges, and the extraordinary growth of online shopping.

Katherine's story is also a wonderful reminder of what can happen when someone follows a passion and turns it into a purpose.

From a nine-year-old girl selling candy out of a Tupperware container to an award-winning Chicago business owner, Katherine has remained connected to the things she loved most from the beginning: entrepreneurship, children, education, and the simple joy of play.

Thirty years after opening her first store, Building Blocks continues to demonstrate that the most meaningful businesses are built not only with great ideas, but with heart, determination, and a genuine commitment to their communities.

And that is something worth celebrating.