Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Initially constructed in 1909 as part of the Samuel H. Kress & Co. “five and dime” department store chain, modernized and rebuilt in 1958, The Kress Brunswick is now taking on a new life as a revitalized boutique hotel. After touring the beautifully transformed space, Elegant Island Living recently sat down with members of the team behind the project to discuss the renovation and unique offerings of this luxurious hotel. The underlying vision of the Kress team was to create a destination within the downtown community that combines modern Southern hospitality and an Old World aesthetic, with the end goal of further revitalizing the community.
Beginning with a top-notch team was essential. They chose professionals that were well-educated in their fields and kept open lines of communication throughout the entire process. Wiregrass Studio provided Architectural Design. 9 Oaks and Co. served as General Contractor. Mac Holland was responsible for Interior Design and worked closely with Fran and Paula Antczek of Island Sea Designs for furniture and artwork sourcing. Hospitality Director Shannon Westberry and General Manager Nathan Pittman rounded out the team entrusted by the owner to execute his vision for excellence in polishing this priceless old gem and giving it a timeless sparkle.
Shannon described the process: “The architect, builder, decorator, and I all saw the vision displayed for us. We would sit with the architect and go over every little detail, then walk the building with the builder with the decorator. We would envision every detail and try to see and feel everything from a guest’s standpoint. We want The Kress to stand for true Southern hospitality and warmth and it was our job to make the guest feel that.” She continues, “Every person on this team worked well together to bring this project to successful fruition. I have never worked with a more dedicated team than Wiregrass, 9 Oaks, Mac Holland, and Island Sea Designs. Every detail requested was fulfilled in a timely manner and exceeded expectations. This by far was a project for the history books. The result is amazing and we’re just getting started.”
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
The eight suites in The Kress each have their own individual look. While all are decorated with intricate design, historical details and vintage accents that provide an inviting and comfortable atmosphere, none are decorated the same. This gives each room a more personal feel and with decorator Mac Holland sourcing from local buyers, primarily Island Sea Designs, it also incorporated local and sustainable décor. None of the hotel’s décor was purchased new, except for the sleeper sofas, and it was all handpicked by Fran, Mac, or sourced from local antique stores. All of the furnishings were refurbished and given another chance at life at The Kress. The same is true of all of the artwork. Everything was chosen to take the guest back in time to the golden age of Southern hospitality. The gorgeous setting created by the vintage décor is enhanced by the natural light that streams in from the large windows and various balconies throughout the hotel. The stunning golden hour views create a soft and warm ambience for guests.
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
When asked about favorite rooms in the hotel, The Signature, is the popular choice due to the history embodied within its walls. This loft suite features exposed brick and a vaulted skylight ceiling in the bedroom, but what makes it the most unique unit in The Kress are the signed monikers of WWII soldiers leaving for war that were left behind on the wall in the dining room. It is this feature for which the room is named. The comfort, natural charm and Old World beauty captured within the units in The Kress set them apart from any hotel suite you have experienced. When paired with the hotel’s exceptional Southern hospitality provided by guest services that include white-gloved doormen and individual floor staff, you’ll feel right at home as you enjoy everything the Golden Isles have to offer from bike tours and fishing charters to leisurely strolls under the grand oaks downtown.
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
If you run a business and are looking to get your employees out of the office and into a new thinking space, The Kress can accommodate small corporate events and retreats. While they may not offer traditional conference room type seating, the unique nature of the venue can provide a more intimate, living room style conversation which can be conducive to positive team-building experiences and brainstorming sessions.
Other offerings in The Kress include 1509 Brunswick, a rooftop restaurant that partners with the hotel to provide their guests with an exceptional dining experience and the Brunswick Rocks bouldering gym. 1509 Brunswick offers fresh and flavorful local dishes prepared by the fantastic culinary team of Executive Chef Christopher LaGrone and Sous Chef Lee Newton, served up with Southern charm courtesy of the hospitality staff under the management team of Galin Hall and Jessica Stowe. Barkeep RB is always ready to mix up your favorite drink with a smile, and it’s hard to beat a sunset on the roof with the bird’s eye view of Historic Downtown Brunswick. See what’s on the menu and make your reservation at 1509brunswick.com.
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Benjamin Galland
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Benjamin Galland
Brunswick Rocks is the brainchild of Michael Gowen of Southeast Adventure Outfitters and Jared Divincent of On the Fly Outfitters. Their vision for the bouldering gym is to add to downtown revitalization efforts by providing the opportunity for local children to experience a new sport and develop discipline, teamwork, and healthy fitness habits. Organized as a 501(c)(3), their mission is to be not just a gym, but a community. They are actively seeking sponsors at this time and your support of this exciting project through sponsorship is fully tax-deductible. Learn more at brunswickrocks.org.
Additionally, the team is completing Phase 2 of the renovation, which will offer four additional hotel suites and a dedicated lobby. This area will not only serve as the hotel’s lobby, but a quaint gathering place where people can enjoy a glass of wine and listen to music on the piano in the evening before dinner. Phase 2 is planned be open to the public September 1.
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Shannon sums up her feelings about the completed project beautifully: “I am humbled by the enormity of the undertaking that got us to where we are today. We take pride in being able to provide guests with a unique place to stay in the heart of our hometown. The attention to detail we desired was successfully captured every moment of every day. You will not find another project in Brunswick where so much love and passion for quality craftsmanship has been poured into the end result.” That love and passion shines through brilliantly. The Kress team deserves hearty commendations for the work they accomplished and the unparalleled accommodations and hospitality they offer in this unique boutique hotel.
Plan a weekend “staycation” or book a room for visiting guests and you too will be impressed. To see the variety of rooms and amenities offered, visit kressbrunswick.com. Quick and easy online booking is available through the website.
