Westminster Arcade, Providence

Downtown Providence proudly claims America’s 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—a feat of craftsmanship and determination emblematic of the era.

At first, the Arcade struggled to attract patrons and was jokingly dubbed “Butler’s Folly” 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.