Playseum Owner Looking to Keep Shop on Capitol Hill

The Be With Me Playseum might not be done with Capitol Hill after it is set to close next week, the owner of the children’s used bookstore and play space said today.

Gina Seebachan, who owns the Playseum at 545 8th St. SE, said she is looking to sign a lease for a space on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, near the CVS and Labyrinth Games & Puzzles. The Barracks Row shop, which opened in 2011, is slated to close May 30, after Seebachan had trouble making her rent payments on time, Capitol Hill Corner first reported.

Seebachan declined to give the address of the Pennsylvania Avenue SE space, which she hopes to move to later this summer. But it’s smaller and cheaper to rent than her current location, she said.

“I think there’s such a need for [the Playseum] in the city,” said Seebachan, who also has one of the bookstores in Bethesda.

Visitors to the Playseum on Barracks Row would have a similar experience at a new location, Seebachan said. But she still is working on her plans for a new Playseum.

The Barracks Row space has several different play rooms for kids, including an art shop, a restaurant and a grocery store. It also hosts birthday parties and field trips.

Before the Playseum closes, Seebachan said she will waive the store’s $7 admission fee for veterans who bring their children to play over Memorial Day weekend.

On its last day, the Playseum will have a party in which children can make ceramic tiles with their hand prints. The tiles will help make a counter at the entrance of a new Playseum, Seebachan said.

Photo via Playseum