At Farah & Farah, our commitment to Jacksonville extends beyond the courtroom. Since opening our doors here in 1979, Jacksonville has remained the foundation of our firm and the community where our story began. When the opportunity arose to make the historic Kress Building our headquarters, it was about more than finding office space. It was an opportunity to become part of one of Jacksonville’s most enduring landmarks while continuing our long-standing commitment to the city we proudly serve.
A Landmark That Has Been Part of Jacksonville for Generations
Standing at the corner of Main and Adams Streets, the Kress Building has been a recognizable part of Jacksonville for more than a century. Originally built as a flagship S.H. Kress & Co. department store, it welcomed generations of shoppers and became one of the city’s best-known commercial buildings. Today, the Kress Building remains a symbol of downtown Jacksonville and the city’s continued revitalization.
Investing in Downtown Jacksonville
When Farah & Farah opened its doors in 1979, we chose to establish our practice in the heart of downtown Jacksonville, just steps from the courthouse. At a time when many law firms were locating their offices in suburban business districts, Farah & Farah took a different approach by building our practice where we could develop and sustain our connection to the community while maintaining a presence near the city’s legal and civic center.
Choosing the Kress Building reflected more than an appreciation for historic architecture. From the very beginning, it demonstrated Farah & Farah’s commitment to Jacksonville and its belief that investing in the city’s downtown was an investment in the community itself.
Preserving an Important Piece of Jacksonville History
Like many historic commercial buildings, the Kress Building evolved as shopping patterns shifted away from downtown. Although portions of the first-floor storefront were altered over the years, the building’s architectural significance remained clear. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, and in 2006, the Jacksonville City Council designated it a local landmark, helping to ensure that one of Jacksonville’s architectural treasures would be preserved for future generations.
Completed in 1912 and designed by architect Seymour Burrell, the S. H. Kress Building was considered an engineering achievement for its time. Constructed using poured-in-place concrete, it was among the first buildings of its kind in Jacksonville and opened as what was then the largest S. H. Kress store in the nation. For decades, it served as a bustling downtown destination where Jacksonville residents shopped, gathered, and created lasting memories.
A Personal Connection That Came Full Circle
For Founder and Managing Partner Eddie Farah, the Kress Building represents more than a historic address. As a child growing up in Jacksonville, he often rode the North Shore bus to downtown, where the Kress department store featured a popular lunch counter serving fountain drinks and ice cream. He remembers visiting the building long before he could have imagined working there.
Years later, that childhood destination became the home of the law firm he built with his family. That personal connection makes the building especially meaningful, and its original features, including its iconic mural, have been carefully preserved over the years. Together, these historic details serve as reminders of the generations of Jacksonville residents who passed through the building’s doors long before Farah & Farah made it home.
We're Proud To Be Part of Jacksonville's Story
Jacksonville has played an important role in the story of Farah & Farah. It’s where the Farah family built their practice, where employees have built careers, and where thousands of clients have turned for help during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
The Kress Building serves as a daily reminder of our commitment to the city that helped shape the firm we are today. It reflects our respect for Jacksonville’s past and our investment in its future. We are proud to call one of Jacksonville’s most historic buildings our home, and even prouder to continue serving the people who make this city such a remarkable place to live, work, and build a future.
