Westminster Arcade, Greek Revival indoor mall in Providence, United States
Westminster Arcade is a three-story granite shopping center in Providence with two mirrored Greek Revival facades. Its interior is lit by a continuous row of glass skylights running above open galleries that connect shops, restaurants, and small residential units on the upper floors.
Built in 1828 by developer Cyrus Butler, it stands as the first enclosed shopping center in the United States. Its creation set a new standard for American retail and influenced how commercial spaces were designed across the country.
The two matching entrances, each framed by six Ionic columns, show how European commercial design shaped American cities. Walking inside, visitors experience a shopping style that has remained relatively unchanged for nearly two centuries.
The wide galleries make it easy to navigate between levels, and elevators help reach the upper floors. Visitors should allow time to explore the full interior, as there are multiple pathways throughout the building.
Oxen teams hauled massive granite blocks for eight miles across rough terrain to construct the symmetrical columned fronts. This feat of human effort reveals the enormous work required to bring this architectural vision to life in the early 19th century.
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