Hochschild, Kohn Belvedere and Hess Shoes, Historic retail complex in Baltimore, United States.
The Hochschild, Kohn Belvedere and Hess Shoes is a post-war retail complex located at the corner of York Road and Belvedere Avenue. The building brings together a department store and shoe shop in a modern structure with two main floors and a basement level.
The complex was built between 1946 and 1948 in response to new retail demands following World War II. The project reflected the architectural trends of the period that combined commerce with modern design.
The stores reflect how people in post-war Baltimore wanted to shop and how new commercial buildings changed daily life in the city. The architectural choices show that retail businesses of that era aimed to feel modern and welcoming to shoppers.
The building offers easy access from two major streets, making it straightforward to reach from different directions. A visit works best during daytime when the exterior and distinctive design are clearly visible.
A striking rounded corner with a glazed curtain wall marks where the two streets meet and creates a bold focal point in the streetscape. This curved form was a sign of innovative thinking in retail design at that time.
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