The Historic Arcade of Downtown Cleveland
Nestled in the heart of downtown Cleveland, the Arcade stands as a testament to Victorian ingenuity. Constructed in 1890 by the Detroit Bridge Co. and costing $867,000, this architectural marvel was one of America’s first indoor shopping arcades. It features two imposing nine-story towers, linked by a grand five-story arcade. The structure is renowned for its 300-foot-long skylight, made of 1,800 glass panes, creating a breathtaking 100-foot-high illuminated court.
Financed by prominent figures like John D. Rockefeller and Stephen V. Harkness, the Arcade is a blend of a commercial street and a luminous court. The entrance on Superior Avenue boasts an original Richardsonian arch, while the Euclid Avenue front was remodeled in 1939. This unique building layout includes staircases joining two lower arcade floors and a passageway leading off at an angle to a rotunda.
In 2001, this historic site entered a new era as the Hyatt corporation transformed it into Cleveland’s first Hyatt Regency hotel, occupying the twin towers and the top atrium floors. The lower atrium floors continue to welcome the public with shops and a food court.
The Arcade’s design has been a source of inspiration for other structures, including Atlanta’s Peachtree Arcade. It stands today not only as a National Historic Landmark since 1975 but also as a symbol of Cleveland’s rich architectural heritage and commercial evolution.
