George W. Parks General Merchandise Store

When was the George W. Parks store built?

The store was built in 1901 by George W. Parks.

George W. Parks opened his general merchandise store in 1901. Both markers on the building agree on the date and the builder, which makes it one of the best documented early buildings in downtown Stuart.

What kind of building is it?

It is a wood frame vernacular commercial building and the oldest commercial building in Stuart.

Built in 1901, it is one of the best examples of early 20th century wood frame vernacular style commercial buildings left in South Florida. The second story served as the Parks family home. In 2011 the building marked its 110th birthday.

How has the building been used?

It was a general store, then a hardware store, then a feed store.

In later years the store evolved into a hardware store, then a feed store, remaining in operation until it was purchased by the City of Stuart in 1988. When Stuart Heritage set out to turn it into a museum, the front portion of the building was rented to Mrs. Peter’s Smoked Fish House for a couple of years to help with expenses.

What is the building today?

It is the Stuart Heritage Museum, operated by Stuart Heritage, Inc.

Stuart Heritage, Inc. has run the Stuart Heritage Museum in the building since August 1992. Admission is free, and the museum is kept open by donations, memberships and local business partners.

What markers are at the site?

Two plaques on the building record its history.

A bronze plaque names it the George W. Parks General Merchandise Store and tells its story. In November 2012, the Lord Baltimore Chapter of the National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century placed a second marker, recording it as the Stuart Feed Store, built by George W. Parks in 1901.