The S.H. Kress store had been a presence on Broadway since its opening on October 16, 1925. 32 years later, the store underwent extensive remodeling under the supervision of contractor G. Kirkebo & Sons, following the designs of architect Lyle Swedberg. View of dirt piled on one side of the Kress building, open beams, and probably sheets of black tarp covering one end of building. Kress celebrated its grand reopening in August, 1958. Air conditioning and a lunch counter were additions to the store. The store was to eventually close in 1972; later, the building was to become the home of the Children's Museum of Tacoma. Photograph ordered by S.H. Kress & Co. (TNT 11-24-57, C-16) TPL-9207

S.H. Kress & Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Lerner Shops can be glimpsed through the space next to the S.H. Kress store across the street as the variety store underwent extensive remodeling in the fall of 1957. Mounds of rubble including pieces of wood, hoses, rubber, and shattered concrete are clearly visible. It was apparently time for the Kress store to update itself; it was built originally in 1925 as part of the nationwide chain of variety stores. The new Kress store would celebrate a grand reopening in August, 1958. Fourteen years later, in 1972, the store would end its presence in downtown Tacoma. The Children's Museum of Tacoma would remodel and occupy the building in the late 1990's. Photograph ordered by S.H. Kress & Co.

S.H. Kress & Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Building construction--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The S.H. Kress store had been located on Broadway since October, 1925. Extensive remodeling was done by Tacoma craftsmen in 1957 and the store celebrated its grand reopening on August 14, 1958. The new Kress was completely air conditioned and had expanded to 20,000 square feet on two floors. Total cost was approximately $700,000. View of alley entrance to Kress shows a new-looking sign with the store name; the shipping department with hours of 8-12 also had its entrance in the rear. Bars are on the lower windows for security measures. Photograph ordered by S.H. Kress store. (TNT 8-13-58, A-8-11) TPL-9208

S.H. Kress & Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

The S.H. Kress & Co. store celebrated its grand opening and invited everyone to visit their newly remodeled store on August 14, 1958. Kress had been a downtown fixture since 1925. George Kirkebo & Son began remodeling the store in 1957 using the designs of architect Karl Swedberg. View of store's interior featuring wide aisles of costume jewelry, hosiery and makeup. Balloons provided a cheerful atmosphere while signs advising the availability of layaway plans and quick self-service were posted throughout the store. The store was completely air conditioned and its two floors expanded to 20,000 square feet. Fluorescent lighting illuminated the soft white upper walls and ceilings while the dark mahogany panelings on the lower walls provided a rich contrast. Kress offered specials during their grand opening: brass hostess carts for $9.99, Ronson electric shavers for $8.88, and provided free delivery within the city for purchases over $5. A unique drawing gave away a free live alligator each day; winner need not be present. (TNT 8-13-58, A-8-11) TPL-9911

S.H. Kress & Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1950-1960; Signs (Notices);

People wait to cross the street by the Kress store on Broadway after sampling the Downtown Merchants' Sidewalk Sale in July of 1970. Merchandise was brought out of the various Broadway stores and placed outside on sidewalks near stores' entrances. Racks and carts of clothing are being examined by shoppers. There is a 1964 Rambler parked near the crosswalk. The Kress store would close in 1972. Photograph ordered by the Downtown Tacoma Association, Inc.

Shopping--Tacoma--1970-1980; S.H. Kress & Co. (Tacoma); Variety stores--Tacoma--1970-1980; Crosswalks--Tacoma;