Westminster Arcade, Providence
Downtown Providence proudly claims America鈥檚 first enclosed shopping mall. Built in 1828, the Westminster Arcade pioneered the concept of indoor shopping and now holds the esteemed title of National Historic Landmark.
Its design, inspired by European arcades, features a skylit roof that floods the interior with natural light. The Greek Revival style is showcased in the impressive facades, each adorned with six towering Ionic columns, standing 21 feet tall. These massive granite columns, quarried in Johnston, Rhode Island, were transported eight miles by oxen鈥攁 feat of craftsmanship and determination emblematic of the era.
At first, the Arcade struggled to attract patrons and was jokingly dubbed 鈥淏utler鈥檚 Folly鈥� due to its location away from the main retail districts. But all that changed with the opening of a fashionable hat shop nearby, which quickly drew an affluent clientele and transformed the area into a lively commercial hub.
Over the years, the Westminster Arcade has seen many changes. In the 1980s, a major restoration project preserved its historic charm while making it suitable for modern use. By far, the most innovative transformation came in 2013, when it reopened as a mixed-use space. The upper levels became 48 micro-apartments, ranging from 225 to 450 square feet, providing affordable, urban living for young professionals and artists. Meanwhile, the ground floor welcomed an eclectic mix of retail shops and eateries, giving new life to this unique structure.
Its design, inspired by European arcades, features a skylit roof that floods the interior with natural light. The Greek Revival style is showcased in the impressive facades, each adorned with six towering Ionic columns, standing 21 feet tall. These massive granite columns, quarried in Johnston, Rhode Island, were transported eight miles by oxen鈥攁 feat of craftsmanship and determination emblematic of the era.
At first, the Arcade struggled to attract patrons and was jokingly dubbed 鈥淏utler鈥檚 Folly鈥� due to its location away from the main retail districts. But all that changed with the opening of a fashionable hat shop nearby, which quickly drew an affluent clientele and transformed the area into a lively commercial hub.
Over the years, the Westminster Arcade has seen many changes. In the 1980s, a major restoration project preserved its historic charm while making it suitable for modern use. By far, the most innovative transformation came in 2013, when it reopened as a mixed-use space. The upper levels became 48 micro-apartments, ranging from 225 to 450 square feet, providing affordable, urban living for young professionals and artists. Meanwhile, the ground floor welcomed an eclectic mix of retail shops and eateries, giving new life to this unique structure.
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Westminster Arcade on Map
Sight Name: Westminster Arcade
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Providence, USA (See walking tours in Providence)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island
Create Your Own Walk in Providence
Creating your own self-guided walk in Providence is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Brown University Walking Tour
Chief among the iconic landmarks contributing to the cultural atmosphere of Providence, Rhode Island, is Brown University, a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its liberal arts education and vibrant campus life. Founded in 1764, this is the seventh-oldest university in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Brown's historic campus offers a classic New... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Providence Historical Buildings Tour
A beautiful city on the banks of the Providence River, Providence, Rhode Island, is nearly as old as the United States themselves 鈥� founded in 1636. As such, the city has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks worth checking out that tell the story of its past.
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Among these, the Providence County Courthouse stands as a symbol of justice and governance. The Old Stone Bank,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Providence Introduction Walking Tour
Along the banks of the Providence River sits one of New England鈥檚 oldest and most storied settlements. Founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, a bold dissenter fleeing Massachusetts Bay Colony, it initially began as a sanctuary of religious freedom. Williams believed this haven was revealed through divine mercy鈥攈ence the name 鈥淧rovidence.鈥� Over time, the city grew from its humble beginnings... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles