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Crumbling Kress Building Stressed By Code Violations

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE

cwade@tampatrib.com

Published: December 19, 2008

TAMPA - The owners of the historic Kress Building are facing a litany of code violations for failing to fix up the crumbling facade of the downtown landmark.

On Wednesday, attorney John Grandoff appeared before the city's code enforcement board on behalf of the building's owner and pleaded not guilty to the violations. He said the owner, Jeannette Jason of the Doran Jason Group, had "no comment at this point."

Among the violations racked up over the past year are those regarding securing the building's exterior, including the roof, which city officials say is steadily collapsing.

A hearing on the cases is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Kevin L. Amos, a regional supervisor with the city's code enforcement division, said the biggest concern right now is glass from broken windows falling onto the sidewalks.

"We've picked up pieces of glass that appear to have fallen from a good height," he said. "We don't know if it's vandals or what, but just about every window needs attention."

Amos said the city wants the owners to replace the broken windows or board them up.

The building on Franklin Street used to house the S.H. Kress department store.

In September, the city council created an emergency fund with $100,000 available for owners of the Kress building to repair the roof.

But the fund offers loans, not grants, and so far the owners have not asked for it.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (813) 259-7679.

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