F. W. Woolworth Building (Kansas City, Missouri) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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F.W. Woolworth Building
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | 3120-3122 Troost Ave, Kansas City, Missouri |
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| Built | 1928 |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000372 |
| Added to NRHP | 2005-06-05 |
The F.W. Woolworth Building in Kansas City, Missouri, is a special old building. It used to be a popular department store called Woolworth's. This store was open from 1928 until 1964. The building has a unique look with a decorative wall on top and a modern-style front.
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What Was Woolworth's?
The F.W. Woolworth Company was a famous chain of "five-and-dime" stores. These stores sold many different items for very low prices. You could find toys, candy, school supplies, and household goods there. It was a bit like today's dollar stores, but much bigger!
A Place for Everyone
Woolworth's stores were popular places for families to shop. They were known for their lunch counters where people could grab a quick meal. Many people have fond memories of visiting a Woolworth's store.
The End of an Era
Over time, shopping habits changed. Larger discount stores and malls became more popular. Many Woolworth's stores, including the one in Kansas City, eventually closed down. The last Woolworth's in the United States closed in 1997.
The Building's Design
The F.W. Woolworth Building is a one-story building. It was built in 1928. Its design shows elements of the "Moderne" style. This style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s.
Special Features
The building has a "balustrade parapet." This means there's a decorative wall along the roofline. It looks like a railing with small columns. The "Moderne storefront" refers to the front of the store. It has clean lines and simple shapes. This was a new and exciting look for buildings back then.
Why is it Historic?
This building is important because it represents a piece of history. It shows how people shopped and lived in the past. It also reminds us of the F.W. Woolworth Company, which was a big part of American retail.
On the National Register
In 2005, the F.W. Woolworth Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the building. It means people recognize its value and want to keep it for future generations.
