Historic Providence Arcade Reopens Its Doors

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Monday, October 21, 2013

GoLocalProv News Team

Governor Lincoln Chafee with owner/developer Evan Granoff, and Mayor Angel Tavares cut the ribbon to mark the re-opening of the Providence Arcade

America's oldest indoor mall, the Providence Arcade, is now open for business once again. Since 2008, the Westminster Street shopping center had been closed for renovations, and today's ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning to its new era.

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Arcade's front steps, owner and developer Evan Granoff spoke to a large crowd about the new shops and residences, proclaiming his excitement for the downtown site's "economic viability for the first time in its history."

Eleven retail shops are now open, with six more coming soon, which are all locally owned. The shops offer a wide variety of products and services including art galleries, restaurants, clothing outlets, and Providence's first Bicycle Garage.

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Governor Lincoln Chafee was in attendance, speaking briefly at the ceremony, thanking Granoff for his efforts. Mayor Angel Taveras also spoke of the multiple newly established business, and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for saving this beautiful and historic Arcade."

Historic Arcade Reopens With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The Ribbon-Cutting

Governor Lincoln Chafee, Mayor Angel Taveras, and the Arcade's Owner/Developer Evan Granoff cut the cermonial ribbon upon the historic landmark's front steps.

Governor Lincoln Chafee

Chafee gave a brief statement regarding the Arcade's reopening, and lauded the efforts of its owner and developer, Evan Granoff in restoring the landmark.

Evan Granoff

The owner and developer of the Arcade, Evan Granoff spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in which he stated that the Arcade's mix-use of retail and residential space has created "economic viability for the first time in its history."

Mayor Angel Taveras

Mayor Taveras was excited by the addition of more than a dozen new small buisinesses in downtown Providence, and thanked Granoff for his efforts in restoring the Arcade.

J. Michael Abbott

The restoration project's lead architect, J. Michael Abbott of Northeast Collabrative Architects, and his design team were on hand for the ceremony. Their design creates an historic atmosphere blended with modern amenities.

(Not pictured: Partner John Grosvenor and associate Andrea Torizzo)

New Signage

The new signage throughout the Arcade is styled to refelct back to the landmark's history.

The Shops

Eleven new small businesses now reside within the Arcade. In the next weeks and months, four more retail, two more restaurants, and two levels of new downtown residences will be added.

Arch Angels

Liiscensed cosmotologist and aestheticin Rehka Salwi is bringing her business into Providence from Fall River. She has more than 25-years of experience in the practice of eyebrow threading, and is founder of the National Eyebrow Threading Association.

nude.

Featuring a collabrative of six distinct fashion designers, the people at nude. offer a wide assortment of handmade clothing and accessories suitable for everybody.

Ntrendsic

From t-shirts to dresses, from shoes to children's apparel, Ntrendsice offers "Clothing + Accessories for the Bold, Wild + Free"

That Guy

With items ranging from knick-knacks to furniture, That Guy offers a variety of goods for the home.

Southwest Passage

Gayle Gertler of Southwest Passage makes several annual trips to trading posts and reservations in Arizona and New Mexico, bringing Native American crafts, jewelry, and accessories to Rhode Island.

New Harvest Coffee and Spirits

Pawtucket-based New Harvest Coffee Roasters brings in a mixture of brewed by the cup single-origin coffees and exquisite teas to the Arcade. Combined with craft beers, single-malt and single barrel liquors, this spot has something for thirsts of all kinds.

Dash

Started as a bike messenger service in 2009, Dash's Arcade location offers bicylce repair services, rentals, and bicycle accessories.

Adirah Gallery

Named for the owner's (guku) grandmother, Adirah Gallery features fine art from all over the continent of Africa.

Jessica Ricci Jewelry

Jessica Ricci repurposes various items found at bazaars and flea markets into "wearable luxe art," giving a second life to many once-loved treasures.

Sugar Coated Heaven

(COMING SOON) Sugar Coated Heaven creates hand-crafted, unique gourmet chocolates, and claims to be "the best sugar coated treats this side of heaven."

Royal Male

Founded in Newport, Royal Male offers a wide variety of English and European-style country clothing.

Rogue Island

(COMING SOON) Rogue Island will be a full-service restaurant featuring a menu that is more than 90% sourced from within 40 miles of Providence.

Luniac Glamour

Lunia Glamour is a full service beauty and style shop, offering blow outs, makeup lashes, and facial waxing, along with locally-designed clothing, jewelry and accessories.