Troy in Oakland County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

S.S. Kresge Company

Photographed By Joel S., August 24, 2013

1. S.S. Kresge Company Marker

Inscription. Sebastion Spering Kresge founded the firm in 1899 in Detroit. His guidance during its formative years was responsible for its initial success. By 1916, when it was incorporated in Michigan, the company numbered 150 units. Innovative and careful management insured its continued growth. Since the introduction of the rapidly expanding K mart division in 1962, the firm has become one of the world's leading mercantile chains. In 1972 the firm's international headquarters was located here.

Erected 1974 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number S425.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 42° 33.687′ N, 83° 11.288′ W. Marker is in Troy, Michigan, in Oakland County. Marker is on West Big Beaver Road west of Coolidge Highway, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Troy MI 48084, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Kresge Foundation (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Shain Townhouses (approx. 1.6 miles away); The National Bank Building

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(approx. 1.7 miles away); The Birmingham Theater Building (approx. 1.7 miles away); Bell Building (approx. 1.7 miles away); Huston Building (approx. 1.7 miles away); The Erity-Nixon Building (approx. 1.7 miles away); Ford Building (approx. 1.7 miles away).

Additional commentary.
1. Historical Marker Future Uncertain
The future of this historical marker is in jeopardy as demolition of the 906,000 square foot headquarters building began in November, 2023. At its peak, the building was occupied by 3,000 employees, but it has sat empty since 2006 when operations were moved to Chicago following KMarts merger with Sears. The building, which won several awards for its unique architecture, is in the final stages of demolition as of April 27, 2024. The property is owned by a venture that includes the Forbes Co. They have not divulged its intentions for the site. When the building is completely demolished, the historical marker will no longer be relevant, therefore it could be decommissioned, removed, and archived by the State of Michigan.

— Submitted May 9, 2024, by John Garman of Rochester Hills.

Photographed By Joel S., August 24, 2013

2. S.S. Kresge Company Marker

Photographed By Joel S., August 24, 2013

3. S.S. Kresge Company Marker

The building is the former Kmart World Headquarters (vacated about 2005).

Photographed By John Garman, April 27, 2024

4. S.S. Kresge Company Marker

The marker is nearly hidden behind a construction site fence.

Kmart's World Headquarters Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, April 27, 2024

5. Kmart's World Headquarters Building

The 906,000 square foot building is nearly completely demolished.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,134 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 28, 2013, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 4, 5. submitted on May 9, 2024, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.