Kress Building, Bakersfield
The Kress Building is an exemplary piece of Art Deco architecture, constructed in 1931 using reinforced steel and brick. Designed by the renowned American architect Edward Sibbert, the building originally housed a Kress Department Store, part of the national Kress & Co. chain known for its five-and-dime stores. Samuel Kress, the company's founder, was notable for commissioning talented architects to create distinctive buildings, making Kress stores recognizable and aesthetically appealing fixtures in cities across the United States.
The Kress department store in Bakersfield operated until 1974, after which the building was closed. However, recognizing its architectural and historical significance, efforts were made to preserve and renovate the structure. By 1984, the building had been successfully repurposed as office space, retaining its historic charm while adapting to new uses.
In 2015, the Kern County Historical Society placed a historical marker to the right of the building's entrance, commemorating its rich history and significance. This marker highlights the building's legacy as a part of the Kress & Co. chain and its importance to the architectural and cultural heritage of Bakersfield.
The Kress department store in Bakersfield operated until 1974, after which the building was closed. However, recognizing its architectural and historical significance, efforts were made to preserve and renovate the structure. By 1984, the building had been successfully repurposed as office space, retaining its historic charm while adapting to new uses.
In 2015, the Kern County Historical Society placed a historical marker to the right of the building's entrance, commemorating its rich history and significance. This marker highlights the building's legacy as a part of the Kress & Co. chain and its importance to the architectural and cultural heritage of Bakersfield.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bakersfield. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
Kress Building on Map
Sight Name: Kress Building
Sight Location: Bakersfield, USA (See walking tours in Bakersfield)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bakersfield, USA (See walking tours in Bakersfield)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bakersfield, California
Create Your Own Walk in Bakersfield
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bakersfield is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bakersfield Historical Buildings Tour
Although many buildings in Bakersfield, California were damaged during the earthquake of 1952, the majority of them have survived and since then been carefully restored and preserved. Thanks to this effort, the city boasts a rich tapestry of historical properties reflecting its growth and cultural heritage.
Among these landmarks, the Fox Theater stands out as a beacon of entertainment history.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Among these landmarks, the Fox Theater stands out as a beacon of entertainment history.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Bakersfield Introduction Walking Tour
Bakersfield, California is a hub of culture and history tucked away in the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. Native Americans, specifically the Yokuts people, inhabited present-day Bakersfield for thousands of years. In 1776, Spanish missionary Francisco Garc茅s was the first European to explore this territory, encountering its indigenous population.
Among those attracted to the area by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among those attracted to the area by... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles