The Kress Department store building was originally built in 1923 with seven floors. The first floor, the main sales floor, was really two stories high. In 1926, Kress built a three floor addition on the south side of the original building.
When the building was renovated in 1993, a new level was built which divided the old sales floor into two levels. The street level is now resident parking area with a gated entrance and Executive Fitness, a private training studio. The second floor is now lofts as shown above. The lofts on this floor are exceptional because many of them contain the old structural members which formed the ceiling of the original sales floor. The size of these structures was exaggerated by the space being divided, so the new spaces feature massive concrete columns and support piers.
The roof of the (now) four story part of the building is the site of the common area deck. It features trees, patio furniture, and a gas barbecue. Many residents regularly gather there to relax, enjoy a cocktail or casual meal, and watch sunsets.
On the levels above the fifth floor the corridor has been replaced by steel catwalks supported by the girders which were added for seismic reinforcement. Walking across these bridges from the elevator lobby on each floor, we enjoy a birds eye view of the downtown area, the harbor, and glimpses of the Queen Mary.
On the roof of the eight story part of the building, two ultra-modern penthouses have been added with distinctive red pyramid shaped roofs. The view from their huge windows is breathtaking. Both penthouses have commercial gas stoves, private sun decks and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. And one of them has its own elevator stop..
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| Model Loft | Model Loft |
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Contacting Kress Lofts
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