The S. H. Kress and Co. Building in Tampa, Florida, located at 809 Franklin Street in the city's historic downtown, is a prominent example of early 20th-century commercial architecture and urban development.
History and Architecture Constructed in 1929, the building served as a flagship five-and-dime store for S. H. Kress & Co., a national retail chain renowned for its architecturally distinctive stores. The Tampa building was designed by Edward F. Sibbert, the company's in-house architect, who was responsible for the distinctive appearance of many Kress stores across the United States. Its architectural style is primarily Art Deco, characterized by its geometric patterns, decorative details, and use of materials like terra cotta. The Kress chain's buildings were often designed to be visual landmarks within their respective downtown areas, contributing significantly to the streetscape.
Significance The S. H. Kress and Co. Building played a vital role in the commercial and social life of downtown Tampa for decades. It represents the era of large-scale national retail chains establishing a presence in growing American cities. Its design reflects the popular architectural trends of the late 1920s and Sibbert's particular skill in integrating elaborate detailing into commercial structures. The building is recognized for its historical and architectural value as a contributing property to the Franklin Street Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Current Use After the closure of the Kress store, the building has undergone various adaptive reuse projects. Today, it has been revitalized and serves a mixed-use purpose, typically housing ground-floor retail establishments, restaurants, and offices, contributing to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Tampa's historic core.