S.H. Kress & Co.: A Glimpse into Tampa's Retail History
Explore Tampa's historic S.H. Kress & Co. building, a Renaissance Revival landmark and former 'five and dime' store in the heart of downtown.
The S.H. Kress & Co. building in downtown Tampa is a historic landmark that once housed a popular 'five and dime' department store. Built in 1929, its Renaissance Revival architecture stands as a reminder of Tampa's prosperous pre-Depression era.
A brief summary to S.H. Kress & Co.
- 862 FL-685, Tampa, Downtown, Florida, 33602, US
Local tips
- Visit during the day to appreciate the architectural details in natural light.
- Combine your visit with a walking tour of downtown to discover other historical sites nearby.
- Bring your camera to capture the stunning exterior and unique art deco features.
Getting There
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Walking
If you are near the Tampa Bay History Center, start walking north on S Franklin St for about 0.6 miles. You'll pass shops and restaurants. Turn left onto E Whiting St and walk two blocks. The S.H. Kress & Co. building will be on your left at 862 FL-685. Walking from the History Center takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transport
From the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) bus terminal, take the HART bus route 1 towards the University Area Transit Center. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off near N Florida Ave and E Zack St. Walk south on N Florida Ave for 5 minutes to E Whiting St, then turn left. Walk on E Whiting St for 2 blocks until you reach S Franklin St. Turn right onto S Franklin St; S.H. Kress & Co. is at 862 FL-685 on your left. A single HART bus fare is $2.00.
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Parking
Several parking garages and lots are available near the S.H. Kress & Co. building. Options include the Fort Brooke Parking Garage and the Tampa Convention Center Parking Garage. Non-event rates at these garages are typically $2 per hour for the first hour and $3 for each subsequent hour, with a daily maximum of $15. The Florida Parking Lot on Florida Avenue is another option. Street parking is also available for $1.50 per hour.
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