Kress Building San Antonio: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Guide
Date: 14/06/2025
Introduction: The Kress Building’s Legacy in San Antonio
Located in the vibrant heart of downtown San Antonio, the Kress Building stands as a powerful symbol of architectural beauty, cultural heritage, and pivotal moments in the American civil rights movement. Built in 1939 as part of the S.H. Kress & Co. chain of five-and-dime stores, this Art Deco landmark is renowned for its distinctive façade, ornate terra cotta detailing, and expansive display windows. Beyond its commercial origins, the Kress Building is notable for its role in the peaceful desegregation of San Antonio lunch counters in 1960, a milestone in local civil rights history (San Antonio Report).
Today, the building is undergoing an ambitious transformation led by the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM). Set to open as the Kress-Grant Building Cultural Center in 2026, the project will blend historic preservation with contemporary community needs—featuring expansive galleries, educational facilities, event spaces, and a boutique hotel. This adaptive reuse not only honors the site’s legacy but also promises to revitalize downtown San Antonio as a dynamic hub for African American history and culture.
Table of Contents
- Architectural Heritage and Historical Context
- Architectural Features and Adaptive Reuse
- Preservation and Restoration Efforts
- Integration with the Grant Building
- Adaptive Reuse and Urban Vitality
- Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
- Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
- Programming and Exhibitions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Planning Your Visit and Staying Connected
- Summary and Travel Tips
- References
Architectural Heritage and Historical Context
The Kress Building is a prime example of early 20th-century commercial architecture. S.H. Kress & Co. buildings were designed as architectural landmarks, elevating downtown streetscapes nationwide. In San Antonio, the building’s significance is heightened by its association with the civil rights movement, particularly the peaceful desegregation of its lunch counter in March 1960 (San Antonio Report).
Architectural Features and Adaptive Reuse
Exterior and Façade
The building’s Art Deco exterior features symmetrical lines, decorative terra cotta, and expansive display windows. These elements have been carefully preserved, maintaining the integrity of the original 1939 design that contributed to the beautification of the city center.
Interior Transformation
The Kress and adjacent Grant Buildings are being reimagined into a state-of-the-art cultural center. Plans include:
- Four exhibition galleries
- A research library and archival spaces
- An auditorium for performances and lectures
- Classrooms and flexible event spaces
- A rooftop terrace
- A ground-floor café and gift shop
- A boutique hotel on the upper floor to support sustainability (San Antonio Report; San Antonio Magazine)
Designers from Overland Partners and Gensler have ensured that the renovation balances historic preservation with modern amenities and accessibility, incorporating the Ghanaian concept of sankofa—“remembering the past to move forward.”
Preservation and Restoration Efforts
SAAACAM has acquired the Kress Building for $19 million and is leading a $40 million fundraising campaign for renovations. The project is supported by contributions from the City of San Antonio, Bexar County, and grassroots fundraising (Spectrum Local News). Restoration efforts emphasize retaining original architectural details, integrating modern systems in reversible ways, and ensuring ADA compliance (WJE).
Integration with the Grant Building
The upper floors of the Kress and Grant Buildings connect to form a seamless visitor experience. The Grant Building’s two-story entry hall, with its café and gift shop, serves as the main gateway. The integration enhances accessibility and creates a vibrant arrival space for exhibitions, events, and community gatherings.
Adaptive Reuse and Urban Vitality
The transformation of the Kress Building exemplifies the power of adaptive reuse in revitalizing historic urban cores. By combining cultural programming with commercial activity (such as the Texas de Brazil steakhouse on the ground floor and a boutique hotel above), the project supports local businesses and extends the building’s usefulness beyond museum hours (San Antonio Report).
Visitor Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Opening Date: Anticipated in 2026
- Expected Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with special evening events
- Admission: Free public access is prioritized; ticketing details will be announced closer to opening. Expect early bird and group discounts (SAAACAM)
Getting There and Parking
- Location: East Houston Street, downtown San Antonio
- Access: Easily reachable by public transit and walkable from major landmarks
- Parking: Nearby public garages and metered street parking
- Accessibility: Full ADA compliance with ramps, elevators, and assistive listening devices
COVID-19 Guidelines
Health and safety protocols will follow city and state recommendations at the time of opening. Visitors should check the official website for updates.
Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips
- Nearby Sites: The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, La Villita Historic Arts Village, Carver Community Cultural Center
- Dining: Numerous options within walking distance, from Tex-Mex to barbecue
- Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, visit during weekdays for lighter crowds, and use public transit or rideshare for convenience
Programming and Exhibitions
Permanent and Rotating Exhibitions
- Civil Rights Legacy: Interactive displays about the 1960 desegregation and other milestones
- Historic Documents and Artifacts: Including a bill of sale for enslaved individuals and the Keyhole Club sign (San Antonio Magazine)
- Community Timeline: An expanded look at local and national Black history
Interactive and Educational Programs
- Workshops and Lectures: Covering civil rights, Black culture, and more
- School and Youth Programs: Field trips, hands-on workshops, and leadership initiatives
- Research Library: Accessible to researchers and the public
Special Events and Community Engagement
- Juneteenth and Black History Month: Annual celebrations, fairs, and educational events
- Art Exhibitions and Performances: Collaborations with local organizations
- Culinary Events: Black chefs at the recreated lunch counter
Event Spaces and Boutique Hotel
The building includes event rentals and a fifth-floor boutique hotel, generating revenue to sustain museum operations (Spectrum Local News).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the visiting hours for the Kress Building?
A: Expected hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., with special evening events. Confirm closer to opening.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: Free public access is planned; ticketing details will be released closer to opening.
Q: Will the building be accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, the facility will be fully ADA compliant.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided and docent-led tours will be offered.
Q: Can I host a private event at the Kress Building?
A: Yes, event spaces including a rooftop terrace will be available for rental.
Planning Your Visit and Staying Connected
Stay up to date on opening dates, ticket sales, and special events via SAAACAM’s official website and download the Audiala app for exclusive content and virtual tours. Follow SAAACAM on social media for the latest news and programming.
Summary and Travel Tips
The Kress Building’s transformation into a major cultural center heralds a new chapter in San Antonio’s commitment to historic preservation, education, and community engagement. As the largest African American museum in Texas, it will offer immersive exhibitions, accessible spaces, and community-driven programming that honor the building’s storied past and vibrant future. Combine your visit to the Kress Building with other downtown attractions for a culturally rich experience. Check official resources regularly for the latest information as the grand opening approaches (San Antonio Report; Spectrum Local News; San Antonio Magazine).
Visual Resources
- Exterior view of the Kress-Grant Building (alt: “Historic Kress-Grant Building in downtown San Antonio”)
- Recreation of the lunch counter (alt: “Kress lunch counter highlighting civil rights history”)
- Civil rights artifacts display (alt: “Artifacts from San Antonio’s African American history”)
- View on Map
