Kress Lofts

Restoration of the exterior of the historic landmark Kress Building. The restoration of the building’s original department store Renaissance Revival facade proudly exemplifies Pine Avenue’s history as a retail avenue. Originally constructed in 1929, the eight-story building was an important store in the national chain created by Samuel H. Kress. The facade’s ornate capitals and cornice frieze, with a swag relief, were refurbished. Aside from the architectural detailing, the facade also features an original advertisement of the Kress store. This boldly colored nostalgic mural reminds one of the carefree days of buying soda for a stroll down Pine Avenue to the ocean. The juxtaposition of the two signs, Kress Lofts and Kress Store, strengthens Long Beach’s desire to move forward, using its commercial history as a foundation.