November 28, 2008
When SoCal nightlife developer Mike Viscuso wanted to make his Hollywood debut with the Kress, he turned to his longtime collaborator Newport Beach, California-based designer Davis Krumins. But the opening isn’t as important to Viscuso. The monumental project-a multi-level space- is equally significant to the city as it marks the restoration of the 1934 landmark Kress building formally home to Fredrick’s of Hollywood .
“Since the architecture of the existing building was so historic and powerful, our goal for the design was to build off of the incredible pre-existing energy,” says Krumins, founder of the firm Davis Ink. “The challenge was to create a sort of marriage between the traditional Art Deco architecture and our brand of very creative and funky design. We wanted to celebrate the beauty of the existing space while at the same time creating an environment filled with unexpected discoveries and surprises.”
The result is decidedly Asian, with a mix of modern 1930’s Hollywood glam touches, with each floor having its own personality. Marble stairways, brass railings, terrazzo floors, and an ornate Italian designed ceiling which have been restored.