Kress Building
National Register Listing
Street Address:
1508 Main St., Columbia, SC (Richland County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817740044
Description and Narrative:
Constructed ca. 1934, the Kress Building’s façade is the best example of the Art Deco style in Columbia. The Kress Building features a white glazed terra cotta façade, ornamented with colored terra cotta in shades of orange, green and blue, as well as stylized floral motifs and rounded surfaces, characteristics of the Art Deco style. The building is significant as one of the few buildings in Columbia of the Art Deco style. The first floor has two recessed entrances flanked by rounded storefront windows. Three fluted pilasters are located between windows. A marquee with rounded corners extends the width of the store. Above the marquee are eight second-story windows and the words “S.H. Kress and Co. 5-10-25 cent store.” The cornice contains the word “Kress” and is surmounted by a stepped parapet that slopes slightly upward to the center. A stylized floral motif caps the center of the parapet. The interior of the first floor retains its original appearance. The paneled ceiling has a chevron motif. Nine freestanding columns extend the length of the room. The octagonal columns on high pedestals have art deco capitals. Listed in the National Register March 2, 1979.
Period of Significance:
circa 1934
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Architecture
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
March 2 1979
