Paddock Arcade, Small Shopping center in Watertown, New York
The Paddock Arcade is a commercial building in downtown Watertown, New York, built in 1850 and spanning Washington Street between Arsenal and Stone. It features Gothic Revival architecture with high ceilings, pointed arches, and a glass roof that brings natural light into the corridor.
The building was constructed in 1850 by Loveland Paddock and designed by architect Otis Wheelock, based on similar arcades being built in America and Europe at the time. In 1916, part of the building was demolished to construct the Woolworth Building, and during the 1920s, a modern glass and steel ceiling was added while the Gothic character was preserved.
The arcade takes its name from Loveland Paddock, the founder who designed it as a gathering place for shoppers and business people. Today, visitors move through the corridor to browse shops and rest for a moment, while the old stonework and natural light from above shape how people experience the space.
The corridor is easily accessible and benefits from natural light pouring through the glass roof, making movement through the space comfortable. Access to this location is free, and it works well for those walking through to explore local shops and historic architecture.
It was once home to the KarmelKorn Shoppe, whose sweet aroma of freshly made caramel popcorn and praline varieties drew visitors and left a sensory memory. Though this legendary confectionery shop is no longer there, it continues to shape the nostalgia and memory of those who experienced it.
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