Asheville
Architecture Trail

Location #7 - The Kress Building

The Kress Building
 

The Kress Building - 1920s ArchitectureBuilt in 1928, this building rings true to Samuel Kress' vision that his stores would stand as works of public art.  Long after scores of Kress Stores around the country stopped operating, many of the original buildings ~ largely because of their architectural stature ~ continue in other roles.  Asheville's Kress serves as an emporium, featuring the fresh work of more than 80 regional artists.  Architect E.J.T. Hoffman designed the building, sweetening it with terra cotta ornamentation.  Another North Carolina Kress Store, in Greensboro, wound up as stage for some of the first civil rights demonstrations in the South.

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The Kress Building - 1920s Architecture

Built in 1928, this building rings true to Samuel Kress' vision that his stores would stand as works of public art.