The Kress, rising on the site of the 1930s S.H. Kress department store building, will make its official debut as a dramatic Hollywood restaurant, lounge, and event space later this spring, with completion expected by June (although the space has already played host to Silver Spoon's Oscar gift suite). The Art Deco building is a registered landmark, and its restoration keeps several of the original architectural elements intact.
The major renovations include the transformation of the ground floor into a gold and red Asian-inspired restaurant, the addition of a mezzanine and a basement-level lounge, and the conversion of the rooftop into a bar with sweeping Hollywood views. Indeed, the rooftop lounge may be the most buzz-generating space, and will hold about 320. Additions there include a bar, a DJ booth, and a scrolling digital marquee to serve as a customizable backdrop for events.The lower-level lounge will hold 320 guests. The restaurant will accommodate 280, including 32 on an enclosed patio and 130 on the mezzanine (which houses the sushi bar), plus a private room for 12. The third-floor banquet center is designed to be independent of the rest of the venue for special events. Its own second-level kitchen will service it, and the space will hold 750. A full acre of parking space in the rear can also be rented.
After it was the Kress department store, the building housed Frederick's of Hollywood for 59 years, then sat vacant for two years until San Diego-based club owner Mike Viscuso took it over. His other venues include Belo, Deco's, and On Broadway in Pasadena. The Kress will be his first Hollywood venue. Troy Thompson is the executive chef.
The major renovations include the transformation of the ground floor into a gold and red Asian-inspired restaurant, the addition of a mezzanine and a basement-level lounge, and the conversion of the rooftop into a bar with sweeping Hollywood views. Indeed, the rooftop lounge may be the most buzz-generating space, and will hold about 320. Additions there include a bar, a DJ booth, and a scrolling digital marquee to serve as a customizable backdrop for events.The lower-level lounge will hold 320 guests. The restaurant will accommodate 280, including 32 on an enclosed patio and 130 on the mezzanine (which houses the sushi bar), plus a private room for 12. The third-floor banquet center is designed to be independent of the rest of the venue for special events. Its own second-level kitchen will service it, and the space will hold 750. A full acre of parking space in the rear can also be rented.
After it was the Kress department store, the building housed Frederick's of Hollywood for 59 years, then sat vacant for two years until San Diego-based club owner Mike Viscuso took it over. His other venues include Belo, Deco's, and On Broadway in Pasadena. The Kress will be his first Hollywood venue. Troy Thompson is the executive chef.
The Kress
Photo: Courtesy of the Kress
The original ceilings are among the preserved Art Deco details in the space.
Photo: Courtesy of the Kress
A dramatic red chandelier hangs overhead.
Photo: Courtesy of the Kress
The Silver Spoon gift suite took over the Kress during Oscar week.
Photo: BizBash
