From 1927 all the way until the early 1980s, this very spot was St. Pete’s go-to emporium for just about everything-think socks, candy, and maybe a rubber chicken or two if you were lucky. The Kress building wasn’t just a store; it was where families came for Saturday adventures, kids lingered at the candy counter, and more shoes were tried on than any of us would care to count. The marble and brass details whispered of elegance, even on a dime budget.
By 1981, with the changing days, those doors finally closed. But this beauty still stands strong-now protected as part of the Downtown Historic District and celebrated on the National Register of Historic Places. And you can bet it’s still full of stories… though, sadly, not a single five-cent soda left in sight!
