The Penney Building in Anchorage was five stories tall , almost in size and partially collapsed and was damaged beyond repair during the 1964 Alaska earthquake . Precast concrete wall panels ( one story tall and about as wide apiece ) fell to the streets below during the shaking , which resulted in deaths as well as near-misses . The company continued to sell its wares , operating out of rented storefront space and its warehouse on East Fifth Avenue . The Penney Building was torn down to its foundation and was rebuilt as a three-story building , with the footprint slightly more than doubled to extend south to Sixth Avenue
1964 Alaska earthquake
1964 Alaska earthquake
J. C. Penney Store (Anchorage, Alaska)