Westminster Arcade
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The Westminster Arcade or Providence Arcade ("The Arcade", locally) is a historic shopping center in Providence, Rhode Island. It is the oldest remaining enclosed shopping mall in the United States, built in 1828.
Built by Russell Warren and James Bucklin in the Greek rectilinear temple style, the Arcade is replete with Ionic columns at either end. After falling into disrepair, it was rehabilitated by architects Irving B. Haynes & Associates and Gilbane Properies, and reopened in 1980.
Its three-stories are currently host to a diverse array of tenants including a number of primarily weekday lunch restaurants on the ground floor and a jewelry shop, a sci-fi/fantasy book shop, and local non-profits on upper floors.
Historically, the building has suffered, and continues to suffer, from low occupancy rates, though it is believed that the opening of 110 Westminster Street ("OneTen"), a luxury condominium complex next door, will instill new life into the country's oldest indoor shopping center. Johnson & Wales University now administers the building as part of its commitment in the Downcity area.
[edit] References
Woodward, Wm McKenzie. Guide to Providence Architecture. Paperback. 1st ed. October 2003: United States. p84.
