Cleveland’s Three Arcades – Revisited

One of my favorite places in Cleveland is The Arcade. Its impressive architecture and the overall expanse of the structure can take one’s breath away. Cleveland also has two other arcades that, while much smaller, can be fun places to visit, even if just to appreciate the spaces.

While visiting downtown Cleveland last week, I decided to not only stop at ”The Arcade” but to also visit Cleveland’s "other" arcades – the Euclid Arcade and the Colonial Arcade, now part of the “5th Street Arcades".)

The Arcade was opened in 1890 and placed on the Register of Historic Places in 1975. It spans between Euclid Avenue and Superior. These two streets are not level and it may be confusing if entering on Euclid at street level as the exit to Superior requires a trip down a stairway. It is a beautiful space any time of the year but is particularly stunning when decorated for Christmas and viewed at night.

Across the street and a short walk down are the Euclid Arcade and the Colonial Arcade. The Euclid Arcade was built in 1911 and the Colonial in 1898. These arcades provide a convenient cut-though between Euclid Avenue and Prospect Avenue.  The Colonial Arcade appears very straight but the Euclid has a slight curve to it.  These arcades were independent of one another until 2000, when a connector between both structures was added. They became the 5th Street Arcades, part of a project that also brought the hotel Marriott Residence Inn.


Here are photos of all three arcades; I encourage visitors to Cleveland to take the time to explore these wonderful spaces!

The Arcade

The Colonial Arcade

The Euclid Arcade

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A Downtown Cleveland Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Wish

Here are a few photos taken in downtown Cleveland last week. The photos feature the Christmas tree and holiday lights on Public Square, the Arcade, and Tower City. Have a Merry Christmas, and a happy holiday season and New Year!

(click on any image to open a larger view)

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Downtown Cleveland Christmas Holiday Lights

Here’s a video of the Christmas and holiday displays in downtown Cleveland’s Public Square, in Tower City at Terminal Tower and at The Arcade. I hope everyone has a happy holiday season!




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The Arcade

While Cleveland has a few building called arcades (see “Cleveland’s "Other" Arcades”), there is only one building that Clevelanders refer to as ”THE Arcade.”

Opened in 1890 and placed on the Register of Historic Places in 1975, The Arcade serves as a connection between Euclid Avenue and Superior. As these streets are not at even levels – the difference being about 12 feet - it can be a little confusing when one enters on Euclid at street level but then must take the stairs down to exit at street level on Superior.

While some shops and stores remain, most of the rooms overlooking The Arcade now are rooms for the Hyatt hotel. Sadly, the Hyatt has blocked off access to any views of the Arcade from the upper floors to anyone who is not a hotel guest.  (I asked nicely and was curtly rebuffed.)

Here are some photos that I took while visiting The Arcade last weekend. It is one of the most beautiful spaces in downtown Cleveland. It may also be one of the most beautiful arcades in the world.

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Cleveland’s "Other" Arcades

The Arcade

When everyone thinks of an arcade in Cleveland, they think of “The” Arcade, (above) which sits between Euclid Avenue and Superior, and is now part of the Hyatt Regency hotel. Of course, it is an impressive building. But there are two other, smaller arcades very close by on the other side of Euclid Avenue that deserves more attention and respect than they get.

Built in 1898, The Colonial Arcade originally connected Euclid Avenue with the Colonial Hotel (now the Residence Inn). It was designed by George Smith (who also helped design “The” Arcade) in the Georgian Revival Style. The neighboring Euclid Arcade was built in 1908 in the Classical Roman Style. (I am unable to verify who designed the Euclid Arcade.)

As part of the Colonial Marketplace development in 2000, a food court was added to connect the Colonial and Euclid Arcades in 2000 as part of a $60 million renovation project, and a Residence Inn was opened at the location.

Cityprowl Cleveland has a short walking tour map of this area that you can access via this link. All three arcades are just a short walk east of Cleveland's Public Square, near East 4th Street.

So if your looking for a nice walking trip before the end if summer – or anytime for that manner – check out these lovely arcades.

The Colonial Arcade

The Euclid Arcade

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The Arcade - A Photo Update

As a post script to my blog entry of November 26, here are some updated photos of the Arcade, decorated for the holidays. These pictures were taken on November 28, 2007.

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Favorite Places: The Arcade

Image from WikiCommons, a public domain photo (2006)

Arcade
Pronunciation: \är-ˈkād\
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Italian arcata, from arco arch, from Latin arcus
Date: 1725
1 : a long arched building or gallery
2 : an arched covered passageway or avenue (as between shops)
3 : a series of arches with their columns or piers

Dictionaries can provide a definition of an arcade, but one really understands the concept upon seeing downtown Cleveland’s Arcade. The Arcade is a favorite place for many Cleveland area residents and visitors.

A brief history


The Arcade opened in May, 1890. Construction costs were reported at $867,000, a small fortune in the day. Some references list John Eisenmann as sole designer and architect, although the on-line “Encyclopedia of Cleveland History” also lists George Smith as co-architect. Financing came from several wealthy Clevelanders; including well known names John D. Rockefeller, Marcus Hanna, and Charles Brush.

The Arcade runs between Euclid Avenue and Superior. As the two streets are not at even levels (there is a 12 foot difference), it can be a little disorienting when you come in one street and leave on the other.

In 1975, the Arcade was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the first Cleveland building to receive that honor. After going through the 1980s as a place to shop and eat, it was later renovated and redeveloped by the Hyatt Corporation. The Arcade now serves as a key part of Cleveland’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, which re-opened it in 2001.

There is much more history behind this building, but I’m really interested in just sharing some pictures so others who haven’t seen it can take a peek at a true architectural beauty. As a bonus, I’ve also included an old shot of the smaller close neighbor, the Colonial Arcade.

Photographed in 1986

Christmas, 1981

Colonial Arcade, 1986

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