This Marvelous, Majestic Historic Building in Downtown Amarillo is For Sale

Located on 7th & Polk Street, there is a building that many residents of Amarillo seem to easily overlook. A gem hidden in plain sight, the historic S.H. Kress Company building is a testimony to unique architecture and a rich city history.

It's also on the market for any buyer who can shell out a cool $1,231,860.

History of the Kress 

This historical gem is not only novel in its essence but is also smack dab in the middle of prime real estate: Downtown Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. You'll find the white facade of the Kress peeking out from between the storefronts of Courtyard Amarillo, Crush Wine Bar & Grill, and Amarillo National Bank.

Built in 1932 for a whopping $100,000, the original purpose of the Kress is somewhat surprising in its modesty: the equivalent of today's dollar store. According to the Center City's section on the Kress, the cost of this project was considered a fortune at the time. The company commissioned an architectural design that was outright fancy with its gold-lettered signs and distinguished lines.

In its conception, the Kress was a shining example of "how national businesses brought the latest styles of architecture to all parts of the country."

Famous For It's Architecture (Yes, Really)

Surprisingly, the Kress building of 700 S. Polk has attained moderate fame for its architecture, which was a result of the Pueblo Deco movement.

The Pueblo Deco movement "combined Art Deco motifs with Southwestern themes". And the proud Kress was featured in several of the movement's design books.

While the Kress may not be listed on the National Register of Historic Places (yet...), the building has quite the history. You can easily spot the iconic sign in many a historical photo of the city's early days.

Who Shall Buy The Kress?

In its most recent incarnation, the Kress was home to the Center City Furniture store. It was during it's time as a furniture store that the owner teamed up with Center City of Amarillo to erect a restored neon sign that was inspired by the original Kress sign.

The Kress is now listed on the market with Whittenburg Emerson Commercial Realty for an asking price of $1,231,860. And really, for a restored historic building in that particular location--that's a steal!

Anyone who is interested in more information on the Kress may contact Center City Main Street Beth Duke