S.H. Kress & Co.: A Glimpse into Tampa's Retail History

The S.H. Kress & Co. building, located at 862 FL-685 (formerly 811 N. Franklin Street), is a significant piece of Tampa's architectural and retail history. Constructed in 1929, it was part of the S.H. Kress & Co. chain, known for its 'five and dime' department stores that offered a wide variety of affordable goods. Samuel Henry Kress opened the first Tampa store on Franklin Street in 1900. In 1929, he demolished the structure and built the amazing structure that stands today between a former Woolworth and a former J.J. Newsberry.The four-story building, designed by New York architect G.E. McKay, showcases Renaissance Revival architectural elements, including a symmetrical facade, terra cotta ornamentation, and a bronze marquee. The building's exterior features extensive use of architectural terra cotta, including polychrome decorative elements and simulated granite facing. This makes it a notable example of the style, as few other buildings in downtown Tampa employ terra cotta so extensively.For decades, the Kress store was a popular shopping destination in downtown Tampa. However, as suburban shopping centers grew in popularity, retail business in the downtown area declined. The Kress store closed in 1981, and the building has remained largely vacant since then. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 7, 1983.Despite its vacancy, the S.H. Kress & Co. building remains a visible reminder of Tampa's past. Its location on Franklin Street places it near other historic buildings, including the Tampa Theatre and the old First National Bank Building. While the building has been subject to various redevelopment proposals over the years, its architectural significance has been recognized, with the city landmarking the building and the facades of the adjacent Woolworth and J.J. Newberry buildings.