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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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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