Thrive Allen County celebrated its revamped headquarters Tuesday afternoon with an official ribbon-cutting.
The massive building on the east side of the Iola square has a storied history, opening in 1908 as the Kress Department Store, stocked with clothing and goods for men, women and children.
A large awning spanned the width of the store at 9 S. Jefferson.
Sadly, only one year after its opening the building was left in ashes by fire. In short order it was resurrected and reopened in 1909. As with the first grand opening, an orchestra was on site serenading customers as they entered the grand emporium.
Another fire in 1916 brought the store to its knees as well as that of a dental office, realty office and the Iola Business College, which were on the building’s second floor.
The Kress 5-10-25 cent department store closed for good in 1978.
Ever since, the building has been used for numerous endeavors. Most recently the Treasure Chest Flea Market has held court.
Today, the “Treasure Chest Divas” market occupies the northern half of the building while Thrive is home in the southern portion and the building’s second floor.
Since its purchase of its quarters in 2016, Thrive has had the building’s vintage wood floors restored, its stamped tin ceilings unveiled and restored the building’s front facade.
“Thrive’s renovation of the Kress Building is symbolic of what we’re trying to do for Allen County as a whole: Bring forgotten and neglected assets back to life,” said David Toland, executive director of Thrive of Allen County, in a press release.
Thrive celebrates Kress building’s revival
