In the middle of downtown Orlando is an exquisite example of 1930s architecture: the Kress Building. Once a popular five-and-dime store, the building has hosted everyone from civil rights activists to upscale chophouse chefs to a UFO-obsessed tenant.

With tales of lingering spirits scrawled on floorboards and extraterrestrial contact, this classic-looking building is immortal in more ways than one. 

Why Is the Kress Building Haunted?

Thousands of people have walked into the Kress Building throughout its life, whether it was a retail store, apartment building, or restaurant. Some of these people, it seems, have never left. 

In fact, after acting as home to Florida’s first UFO hunter, the Kress Building may hold a secret to our connection to space and beyond. Book a ghost tour with Orlando Haunts today to see this architectural marvel in person and maybe experience an unusual sighting yourself.  

The Many Famous Kress Buildings

In the early 20th century, if you lived in a major city, you were likely familiar with the name “Kress.” 

S.H. Kress & Company was a five-and-dime store that opened its first location in 1896. By the mid-20th century, the retailer known for “affordable, durable, and cheerful domestic merchandise” had over 200 stores across the United States. 

What made a “Kress Building” recognizable was its grand architecture. Owner Samuel Kress made sure to hire the best architects at the time to design his buildings, with the instruction that the building should enhance the city in which it resided. This meant that not all Kress Buildings looked the same. Some were built in a Gothic Revival style, while others leaned into a Greco-Roman design. 

The Orlando Kress Building

Orlando’s Kress Building opened in 1936, long after the company was well-established across the country. The building was a hit, and soon, customers were flocking to the staple in the downtown area. The store continued its business without issue until 1960 when the store’s lunch counter made national headlines. 

Six young Black students walked into the store and sat on the stools at the counter. They were denied service but did not leave. This happened several more times over the following months, gaining more students with each sit-in. These nonviolent protests continued periodically until 1963 when the Orlando mayor officially integrated the downtown lunch counters. 

The Architect of the Kress Building

The architect for the Orlando Kress Building was Edward F. Sibbert, who used an Art Deco style for the building’s facade. While Sibbert was an architect by day, it seems he had very different out-of-this-world interests at night, adding a specific flavor of lore to the Kress Building in Orlando. 

The Strange Happenings of the Kress Building in Orlando

Ghost in a brightly lit hallway
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Sibbert is a central player in the eerie backstory of the Kress Building. After designing many Kress Buildings across the country, the architect hung up his hat after completing his Orlando masterpiece. He was so happy with his Orlando building, in fact, that he moved into the top floor

While it’s not unusual for an architect to move into a building he designed, Sibbert’s behavior did start raising questions. He’d tape rent money to the front of his apartment door, including a note that told the landlord not to enter his apartment under any circumstances. Not that they could have anyway — the entrance had several heavy-duty locks. 

Sibbert also disappeared for long periods of time with no explanation. After his death, the reason behind his frequent “trips” was finally realized. 

Florida’s First UFO Hunter

It wasn’t until the Kress Building was being renovated that Sibbert’s apartment was finally searched, and what was inside was stunning. 

There were boxes of journals, maps of the night sky, drawings, and detailed recordings scribbled onto the floorboards. There was a telescope that had been so well-used that it was about to break at the hinges. 

But Sibbert wasn’t just a fan of astronomy. He was searching for something — or, more precisely, someone

Aliens. 

Sibbert was convinced UFOs were out there and within communicating distance. According to his records, he was even successful in his contact endeavors. This makes Sibbert’s death — or lack thereof — even more interesting. 

There is little information known about Sibbert’s death: only that he disappeared on one of his trips and never came back. 

We can’t help but wonder just how far his trip took him. 

Ghostly Activity in the Kress Building 

Ghost in hallway
Copyright US Ghost Adventures

Ever since Sibbert’s dabbling in the otherworldly, strange occurrences have been seen at the Kress Building. People have spotted all kinds of spectral oddities, like phantom figures, throughout the building. Footsteps are also often heard stomping around the floors. 

While some think these may be the folks who used to love to spend their days shopping at S.H. Kress & Company, others are convinced that these are the steps of Sibbert, unwilling to leave his home after all these years. 

Haunted Orlando

While it’s often thought of for its theme parks and amusement rides, Orlando has a storied list of haunted sites and locations. Not far from the Kress Building is the Orange County Regional History Center, where infamous serial killer Ted Bundy was convicted. 

Bundy’s last victim, Alice, continues to roam the halls of the History Center — where passersby can still spot her ghostly spirit to this day. 

If you need a break from the amusement parks and cotton candy and want a spookier Orlando experience, book a ghost tour with Orlando Haunts today. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and keep reading our blog for more real Florida hauntings.

Sources:

https://orlandohaunts.com/
https://styleblueprint.com/everyday/kress-buildings-history/

https://richesmi.cah.ucf.edu/omeka/items/show/1696

https://wejunket.com/junkets/Orlando/Orlando_Haunts/The_Kress_Building/

https://www.toyotaoforlando.com/blog/haunted-places-to-explore-in-downtown-orlando-this-spooky-season

Book A Orlando Haunts Tour And See For Yourself

You may think of Orlando as the theme park capital of the world, but this magic kingdom has a hidden history filled with tragedy, murder, suicide, and mystery.

Join us for a night of frights and fun as we recount O-Town’s stories of rumrunners, vaudeville performers, and conflict that have led to a series of hauntings still experienced by visitors and locals to this day.

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