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project background. Park Social is located in one of Alameda's most recognizable downtown buildings. Co-founders Aaron Kraw and Justin Jarin envisioned a store that would be distinctly Alameda, celebrating the city's history while providing a modern retail experience.
Park Social, a cannabis dispensary in Alameda, California, occupies a historic building known for its Art Deco and Moderne architecture. The founders wanted to honour the city’s unique architectural heritage while creating a standout retail space. Visual Elements took on the challenge by providing comprehensive services, including interior design, branding, engineering, manufacturing, and installation. This project is a prime example of how thoughtful design and branding can create a unique and memorable customer experience.
The challenge. The primary challenge was to create a design that honoured Alameda’s rich heritage, particularly its Art Deco and Art Moderne architecture while making the store stand out in a competitive market with a functional retail environment that would attract modern cannabis consumers.
our approach involved developing a new brand identity and transforming the stores interior design.
Visual Elements developed a cohesive brand identity that resonated with Alameda’s historical aesthetics. The team incorporated elements from the city’s early 20th-century architecture into both the logo and the store’s design
design elements
marquee signage
The original marquee was preserved and modernized, serving as a prominent feature that drew in customers.
art deco fixtures
Vertical lines and curved fixtures reminiscent of the Art Moderne style were used throughout the store.
customer experience
The design aimed to create a memorable shopping experience. From the welcoming ambiance to the carefully crafted product displays, every detail was designed to make customers feel a part of the Park Social community.
customer experience
The design aimed to create a memorable shopping experience. From the welcoming ambiance to the carefully crafted product displays, every detail was designed to make customers feel a part of the Park Social community.
We wanted to go with the historical look of things to keep that feel to the town and to bring it back to where everybody was going to be happy with what we did and what our design was. Visual Elements hit it out of the park.
results & customer feedback
Since opening, Park Social has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. New customers account for over 40% of daily visitors, many of whom are drawn in by the store’s unique design.
community engagement
Park Social has become a community hub, engaging in local initiatives such as donations to the Alameda Food Bank and planning future fundraising events.
client satisfaction
The owners, Kraw and Jarin, were highly satisfied with the project, praising Visual Elements’ ability to bring their vision to life and exceed their expectations.
conclusion
The Park Social project showcases the power of integrating historical elements with modern design to create a standout retail space. Visual Elements’ innovative approach not only solved the design challenges but also significantly contributed to the store’s success and community impact.
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friendly stranger
Located on Toronto’s iconic Queen Street, The Friendly Stranger dispensary partnered with Visual Elements for a complete interior transformation to meet the demands of a competitive market. We designed, engineered, manufactured, and installed custom fixtures and showcases that reflect the dispensary’s unique identity. Every element, from shelving to display cases, was tailored to enhance the customer experience while aligning with the store’s distinctive style and location.
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