A Providence Landmark is Reborn

Arcade, America's oldest indoor mall, to reopen as retail and residential center.

Mayor Taveras joined with U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee and Providence 130 Westminster Street Associates on January 25 to unveil new plans for the historic downtown Arcade.

With more than 100 business leaders, government officials and downtown merchants gathered inside the Arcade's center atrium, Granoff announced the landmark building would bring retail and residential opportunities to Providence and create an energetic community in the heart of downtown.

The Arcade Providence will host retail shops and restaurants on its first level, with more shops than restaurants lining the center atrium. The most exciting update in the Arcade is the addition of 48 micro-lofts, or small efficient living spaces that are a trend in cities in the U.S. and across the globe.

"The reopening of the Arcade is an exciting development for Providence," Mayor Taveras said. "This project breathes new life into America's oldest indoor mall and one of our city's most historically significant buildings, with a mix of retail, restaurants and affordable housing for young professionals in the heart of downtown Providence."

Built in 1828 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976, the Arcade is the oldest indoor shopping mall in the nation. The new project will stay true to the Arcade's history as a retail center, but it will provide 14 new shops and restaurants with a fresh, new look. Rather than the once familiar counter-style establishments filling the hall, the Arcade's center atrium will be lined with more retail shops than restaurants, and the three dine-in restaurants will include one with outdoor cafe seating. The restaurants will have outside access with private entrances so they can remain open after the Arcade's retail floor closes at 9 p.m.

The Arcade's retail stores will be renovated to include windows on the outside of their stores and bay windows in the center hall, allowing business owners to promote their products. Some stores will features stairs to the basement level, providing two levels of retail space for their patrons.

The second and third levels of the Arcade will be home to 48 micro-lofts. Those who work and create in cities, enjoy an urban lifestyle, and hope to live in the city's center are attracted to the small, environmentally friendly spaces that come at an affordable price. The micro-loft spaces tend to attract a mix of residents including young professionals, entrepreneurs and established businesspeople that live elsewhere and travel frequently to the city.

"It will be called The Arcade Providence and it will be a historic revival," Granoff said after unveiling a banner showcasing the Arcade's new brand. "This historic revival will create an Arcade community, increase the energy in the heart of downtown, help drive business to surrounding retailers, attract new retail and restaurants, and bring micro-loft residents into downtown to live, eat and shop - and it begins today.