Westminster Arcade, Providence

Westminster Arcade, Providence

The Westminster Arcade was built in 1828. It was designed in the Greek Revival architectural style by Russell Warren and architectural firm Tallman & Bucklin. The two street-facing sides have six Ionic columns that echo the styles of Greek temples. The other two sides were left purposefully blank as it was expected that other buildings would eventually be added.

The Arcade, as it is most commonly known, was the nation's first enclosed shopping mall. It operated as a shopping center for many years until it was a renovated and re-opened as a mixed-use building. The Arcade is now home to a number of boutique retail shops, restaurants, bars and 48 micro-loft apartments.

The interior of the building has a skylit roof that covers the building's entire length. Though the design uses some mahogany as accent pieces, the majority of the construction and design elements are fully fireproof. The roof is tin and all construction materials are granite, brick and cast iron.

The Westminster Arcade has been called the most important example of commercial architecture in the city. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1976.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Providence. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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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:

Walking Tours in Providence, Rhode Island

Create Your Own Walk in Providence

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.
Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Providence Introduction Walking Tour

Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island. Founded in 1636, it is also one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was settled by Roger Williams who was a strong proponent of separation of church and state.

Providence is well known for being the home of Brown University. One of the oldest higher education institutions in the country, Brown continues to remain a high-profile, Ivy...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Brown University Walking Tour

Brown University Walking Tour

Founded in 1764, the prestigious Ivy League Brown University of Providence, Rhode Island is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, chartered before the American Revolution.

Brown's historic campus offers a classic New England college experience among brick quadrangles, scenic greens, soaring modern architecture, renovated centuries-old structures,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Providence Historical Buildings Tour

Providence Historical Buildings Tour

Providence is a beautiful city that was founded on the banks of the Providence River in 1636 by Roger Williams. The city is nearly as old as the United States themselves. It has many interesting historical and architectural landmarks. Take this self-guided walking tour to visit some of the Providence's historical buildings.

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles