The Arcade, located between Superior and Euclid Avenues in downtown Cleveland, is one of America’s first indoor shopping malls and Cleveland’s first skyscraper. Built in 1890, the magnificent building consists of two 9-story towers, connected by a glass and metal, 5-story atrium. Today, the building houses a Hyatt Hotel, retail shops, a number of restaurants, and coffee shops, alongside a food court.
History
The Arcade was designed by Cleveland architect, John Eisenmann, who also created the first building at what would become Case Western Reserve University as well as Southwest General Hospital. The Arcade project, which was completed in 1890, cost $867,000 and was financed by the leading industrialists of that era: John D. Rockefeller, Marcus Hanna, and Charles Brush.
This structure, said to be modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, Italy, was the first Cleveland building to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The Arcade is regarded as one of the first indoor shopping malls in the United States.
The Structure
The Arcade spans the length of the block between Euclid Avenue and Superior Avenue. This architectural marvel includes two brick, 9-story towers—one at either end—and a 5-story glass and metal atrium complemented by a 100-foot skylight ceiling that connects both towers. The atrium is adorned with intricate metalwork, and the top floor features a row of gargoyles that oversee shoppers below.
The Arcade Today
In contemporary times, the Arcade serves as the home to Hyatt Regency Cleveland, occupying the two towers and the upper two floors of the atrium. Guests can easily reach the hotel registration desk, restaurant, and lobby from the Superior Avenue entrance. The lower two floors of the Arcade host retail shops, restaurants, and a food court, while the cafe tables along the balconies offer perfect spots to unwind after a shopping adventure in downtown Cleveland.
The Stores
The Cleveland Arcade boasts over 25,000 square feet of retail space. Current retailers include:
The Restaurants
Within the Cleveland Arcade, there are several eateries to choose from. They include:
- The Chocolate Bar
- Pizza 216
- Rising Star Coffee Roasters
- Boney Fingers BBQ
- Rose’s Braai
Contact Information
The Arcade
401 Euclid Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 696-1408
