Westminster Arcade
Encyclopedia
The Westminster Arcade or Providence Arcade (The Arcade, locally) was a historic shopping center in Providence
, Rhode Island
. It was the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States
, built in 1828. It was closed in 2008 " in preparation for a major renovation of the mall’s interior, according to the Providence Preservation Society", and remains closed.
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 Properties, and reopened in 1980.
Its three-stories were 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.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark
in 1976.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
. It was the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, built in 1828. It was closed in 2008 " in preparation for a major renovation of the mall’s interior, according to the Providence Preservation Society", and remains closed.
History
Built by Russell WarrenRussell Warren (architect)
Russell Warren was an American architect, best known for his Greek Revival style, and notably the design of the Weybosset Arcade, now known as the Westminster Arcade in Providence, Rhode Island.Warren was born in Tiverton, Rhode Island...
and James Bucklin in the Greek rectilinear temple style, the Arcade is replete with Ionic
Ionic order
The Ionic order forms one of the three orders or organizational systems of classical architecture, the other two canonic orders being the Doric and the Corinthian...
columns at either end. After falling into disrepair, it was rehabilitated by architects Irving B. Haynes & Associates and Gilbane Properties, and reopened in 1980.
Its three-stories were 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.
It was declared a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1976.
See also
- List of Registered Historic Places in Providence, Rhode Island
- Providence, Rhode IslandProvidence, Rhode IslandProvidence is the capital and most populous city of Rhode Island and was one of the first cities established in the United States. Located in Providence County, it is the third largest city in the New England region...