where history meets modernity
downtown brunswick, georgia
Brunswick rests on the southeastern coast of Georgia as a halfway point between Savannah & Jacksonville. Founded in 1771, this endearing town has a storied history as one of Georgia’s most impactful coastal towns, earning the nickname “Port City”.
Today, it is home to approximately 16,000 residents who have helped the town steadily expand and evolve over the years. Brunswick’s unique blend of centuries-old traditions and modern conveniences have made it a popular destination not just for locals, but for tourists across the country as well. Brunswick’s historic downtown area rests on the East River, which leads out into the Atlantic Ocean just a few miles away.
It doesn’t get more picturesque than the original Victorian architecture feel, beautiful pocket parks, and historic squares line the streets. Historic Downtown Brunswick is a quaint and quiet area with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, a farmers market, theaters & art galleries.
As Brunswick continues to grow, so do the opportunities for new and exciting businesses in the downtown area. With the effort of passionate local business owners, downtown Brunswick can celebrate its rich history while offering experiences unique to the coastal area.
the kress brunswick
history
The Kress Brunswick was built in 1909 as part of the Samuel H. Kress & Co. “Five and dime” department store chain.
For decades, generations of Glynn County’s citizens “came to town” to shop in the Kress store for ordinary necessities before the chain decided to modernize in the 1950s.
In 1958, S.H. Kress Company purchased the former First National Bank building for $80,000 to expand the adjacent 5¢-10¢-25¢ store. Both structures were demolished and replaced by a single modern two-story building, styled in what a local newspaper article called “a new look” that would replace “two monuments to the past.”
The design for the new structure featured a colorful porcelain enamel facing on the lower front. The plan of the retail store also included a long luncheon counter some Brunswick residents still remember and a convenience that local civic clubs had been requesting for some time: restrooms open to the public. It was the quintessential “mid-century modern” building flip.
Now the space is due for a major renovation part of downtown revitalization. We welcome Tommy McGraw, a native Glynn Countian, and his exciting vision for the space that alas lived multiple lifetimes as a downtown Brunswick landmark.
Perfectly Located
strategic regional location
Traveling to Brunswick is easy, with the proximity of I95, commercial air service available at the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport, Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia. Plus, this Port City lies to the east across the Atlantic Intra-coastal.
The Kress Brunswick is located less than 15-minute away from St. Simons and Jekyll Island, both offering world-class golf and wonderful beaches.
dining & shopping
at your door step
When you stay at The Kress Brunswick, you have the opportunity to experience downtown Brunswick in a way unlike any other. Take in the sunrise overlooking the water at Mary Ross Park with a cup of coffee from our local coffee shops. Walk down Newcastle Street and enjoy our many shops or take a tour of Old City Hall.
Then find relaxation at our renowned restaurants, bars, and breweries, all within walking distance of The Kress Brunswick.
When you are ready to explore, the Brunswick area boasts an abundance of wildlife-rich and scenic natural areas which makes it the perfect destination for kayaking, boating, or bird watching.
The Kress Brunswick is steps away from Brunswick Landing Marina that offers 445+ dry and wet slips. Marina guests and crew often visit Downtown Brunswick for a few hours or a few days after cruising back to their destination.
The Golden Isles
offers many activities geared towards tourists
Golfing
234 holes of the most professionally designed and stunning courses in the nation
Exploring Nature
28 parks, and an abundance of wildlife-rich and scenic natural areas
Water Activities
kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, sailing, diving or relaxing by the pool
Beach Activities
wandering the beaches, beachcombing, fishing or kite-surfing
fishing
inshore, nearshore or deep sea fishing, catching redfish, jacks, trout, or kingfish
