Paddock Arcade

Infobox nrhp
name = Paddock Arcade
nrhp_type =

---

caption = Paddock Arcade
lat_degrees = 43
lat_minutes = 58
lat_seconds = 25
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 75
long_minutes = 54
long_seconds = 40.50
long_direction = W
location = Watertown, New York
area =
built = 1850
architect = Otis Wheelock
architecture = Gothic Revival
designated =
added = June 15, 1976 [cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/nrloc1.htm|title=National Register Information System|accessdate=2008-07-04|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]
established =
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
refnum = 76001224
mpsub =
governing_body =

The Paddock Arcade, located in Watertown, New York, is the oldest continuously operating covered mall in the United States. Although there are older arcades, the Paddock has seen uninterrupted use since it opened in 1850. The arcade is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location and Architecture

At No. 1 Public Square, the arcade remains the benchmark structure in Watertown's historic downtown district. The structure runs perpendicular to the adjoining Paddock Building. The arcade was built in the Gothic style, topped with a glass roof that allowed daylight to filter through. The Paddock Building contains a 19th century Italianate facade.

History

The arcade was built by Watertown native Loveland Paddock and designed by architect Otis Wheelock. It was based on similar arcades built during that era in the United States and Europe. Shops occupied the bottom floor, while the upper floors were used for office space.

In the 1920s, a large section of the Paddock Building was demolished to make way for new construction. Around this time, the arcade received a translucent, steel-and-wire-glass dropped ceiling between its second and third stories, which still allowed light to filter in from its glass roof.

Today

The arcade still functions as a shopping and business center in Watertown's downtown district. In recent years, structural and aesthetic improvements, coupled with new businesses are helping to guarantee the arcade's future. The arcade is the current home to The Different Drummer Internet Cafe, Johnny D's Casual Dining, Paddock Club Tavern, Steve Weed Productions, The Village Peddler bicycle shop, Paddock Market, The Paddock Coffee House, Coleman Montessori, and Arcade Barber & Beauty Shop. In 2007, It was announced that the arcade would be host to Watertown's popular farmers market for it's extended fall season.

See also

* Public Square (Watertown, New York)
* Italianate architecture
* Gothic Revival architecture

References

External links

* [http://www.citywatertown.org City of Watertown]
* [http://www.wheelockgenealogy.com/wheelockweb/pages/OtisLeonardWheelock.htm Otis Wheelock]
* [http://www.publicsquare.com Watertown Downtown Business Association]
* [http://www.nps.gov/nr/ Official Website National Register of Historic Places]
* [http://www.wwnytv.net/72k/new-full-story.asp?uid=15352&area=home+page Farmers Market Moves To Arcade]