Location #7 - The Kress Building

Built in 1928, this building rings true to Samuel Kress' vision that his stores would stand as works of public art. Long after scores of Kress 
Stores around the country stopped operating, many of the original buildings ~ largely because of their architectural stature ~ continue in other roles. Asheville's Kress serves as an emporium, featuring the fresh work of more than 80 regional artists. Architect E.J.T. Hoffman designed the building, sweetening it with terra cotta ornamentation. Another North Carolina Kress Store, in Greensboro, wound up as stage for some of the 
first civil rights demonstrations in the South.