Imaginations were put to the test at PolyFrames’ first “Battle of the Bricks” Lego competition on Sept. 22 in Richmond. The event was held in “The Dungeon” at the 100 N. Ninth St. building.
At 6 p.m., PolyFrames owner Nate Helms explained the rules to the 12 competitors. Each had 45 minutes to construct a build related to the theme — medieval times. Judges then reviewed the finished works and determined winners in three categories: best use of theme, most original build and most creative build.
Participants of all ages dug through tubs of Lego pieces to morph the random blocks into castles, dragons and more.
Cheryl Mullins watched as her grandson, Bentley Moore, worked on his original piece.
“He’s Lego crazy, I’m just the grandma,” said Mullins. She added Moore frequents the building for birthday parties and the downstairs arcade.
Two tables over, Mary Beth Alenskis’ entire family battled for Lego supremacy. Her mother-in-law, Roberta, saw the event posted on Facebook and brought the children as a surprise. Mary Beth watched her children, Austin, James and Lily, as well as her husband, David, and father-in-law, Brian, construct structures with the multicolored pieces.
“I think Lego is one of those rare things that grows with you,” said Helms about the toy’s staying power in an email to WWN. “There really isn’t an age where you have to stop enjoying it. It gives you a chance to be creative and, for a little while, just focus on building something.”
In the end, Austin Alenskis, Barbie Sparks and Noah Shubert were named the champions. Alenskis’ “The Jungle Castle” won most creative and a $25 gift certificate to Paint the Towne. Sparks earned most original build and a $25 Comics Relief Comics certificate for her “Belzar the Knight.” Shubert’s “Fire Wizard Riding a Dragon” won overall, earning him a $50 PolyFrames certificate and trophy. His build will also sit on display in the store’s newly expanded space next month.
Since opening in 2024, Helms had been thinking of ways to make PolyFrames more interactive and community focused. He offers 3D printing and designing services, and he buys, sells and trades Lego sets. But in the last three months, Helms has opted to focus on more family events. The building competition seemed like a perfect fit.
“I really just want people to come in, have fun, get creative and maybe see some of the other awesome parts that this building has to offer,” said Helms.
In addition to PolyFrames and Retro Rush Arcade, the three-story building hosts several nerd-culture-centric stores and activities. There’s Blast From the Past for video game enthusiasts and Comic Relief Comics for avid readers; Richmond’s Toy Vault offers various figurines; Mythic Jane Collective sells unique apparel; Retro Rush Munchies offers a selection of international snacks; and the newly added Nightmare Video specializes in horror movies and memorabilia. There’s also The Bowtique, which does unique window-display designs.
“I think what makes this location special is that there’s a little bit of something for everybody, but it all fits together,” said Helms. “More importantly, though, it feels like a community. It’s becoming less of a place where you go to one specific store and more of a place where you can come hang out, explore and see what you find.”
Learn more at polyframes.com or by calling 765-967-4369.
A version of this article appeared in the September 30 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
