This Stunning Ohio Mall Offers Shoppers A Little Slice Of History

Hiding in downtown Cleveland amid the bustle of the city is one of Ohio's most impressive and historical gems.

The Arcade Cleveland was one of the very first indoor shopping malls in the United States. Today, it's an iconic landmark and a historic mall, featuring an array of shopping and dining establishments and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Built in 1890 by the Detroit Bridge Co. at a cost of $867,000, this Victorian-era structure consists of two nine-story buildings, connected by a succession of arches with a glass skylight spanning more than 300 feet along four balconies. This historic shopping mall is truly stunning to see. Its architectural style is rarely seen in modern day shopping malls or any other type of building.

The Euclid Avenue entrance was remodeled in the late 1930s, but the Richardsonian arched entrance along Superior Avenue is original.

To see what The Arcade was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s, check out theses photos (with their orgininal titles included) from The Cleveland Memory Project:

Title: "View of Euclid Avenue showing The Arcade entrance at upper left"

Title: "Euclid Avenue entrance to The Arcade" (Time period: 1960-1990)

Title: "Interior of The Arcade, 401 Euclid Ave."

Title: "Interior view of The Arcade during an unidentified event"

Title: "National Trust for Historic Preservation banquet at The Arcade"

Title: "Cuyahoga County Nurserymen's Association exhibit at The Arcade"

Title: "NBA All-Star game celebration at The Arcade"

To learn more about The Arcade, watch the video below:

What do you think of this building? Have you ever shopped here? Let us know your thoughts and experiences!