Kress Building, 2816 2nd Avenue North, 1923-1925

This building is the finest example of Art Deco design in the business district and one of the best Deco commercial buildings in Montana. The glazed brickwork, stylized deco paneling, multi-color tile are high caliber design. The building housed J.E. Muzzy Grocery and Modern Shore Repair Shop until 1930 when S.H. Kress &Co. opened a notions business that remained here until the early 1960s.

Historic Name:
Kress Building
Current Name:
Kress Building

Builder:

Original Use:
Store
Current Use:
Store

Physical Description:
The Kress Building is a two story commercial building with an exuberant Art Deco façade adorned with cream and multi-color panels of stylized floral carving. It is built of red brick; and faced with glazed brick, sandstone and tile on the north façade, fronting onto 2nd Avenue North. The façade treatment wraps each of the building's front corners. The building is divided into two retail spaces on the first floor, and offices above.

On the north elevation, the building the façade is organized by two storefronts on the ground level, and four bays in the masonry above. Each storefront has a French-style glass door, black carrara glass and full panels of storefront glazing for display. The storefront area is enframed by cream dressed stone blocks, which bear brass lettering -- S.H. KRESS & CO. - over each storefront.

Above this, second and third story windows are tiered between cream-glazed floral tile panels. The windows are tall and narrow, once housing double-hung 2-over-2 and 4-over-4 units. During the past decade these have been replaced with fixed glass. On the east, the building runs along an alley. Window openings house double-hung 4-over-4 windows and multi-pane windows with center hopper units. These all have flat heads and sandstone sills. Windows on the first floor are barred. The south elvation opens out to the alley. Openings on the first floor are covered with blue fabric; on the second floor, large windows with 25 and 40 pane glazing illuminate the interior. The west wall has no openings.

Historical and Architectural Significance:
The Fratt Building is an integral part of downtown Billings' streetscape, and is an important anchor in the commercial district. It is a fine example of the classical influence that characterized much new construction during the early 20th century. It is a commanding building, carefully maintained over the years. Designed by E.H. Link, a son of John G. Link who took over the firm in later years, the patterned brick, and cast stone ornamentation are high quality, both in design and craftsmanship. For its representative architectural significance, the building should be considered for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Historically, it fits the period during the first two decades of the 20th century, when the northern portions of downtown developed. Once the Great Northern Railway laid track along the northern fringe of downtown (5th Avenue North right-of-way) the northern corridor around N Broadway and 27th Street N emerged as the heart of business district. Downtown shifted northward and infilled the area between the NP and the GN railroad tracks. Scattered early residences were cleared away to make space for new commercial buildings. Brick edifices of 2-3 stories were most common, although some landmark buildings went higher. The Fratt Building (just a half block off Broadway) is one of the finest examples from this period.

Photograph Courtesy of Paul Whiting