Historic Paddock Arcade
History
The Paddock Arcade is a 19th century shopping mall located in Watertown, New York. Built in 1850 it is the second oldest arcade in the United States. Since the arcade has seen uninterrupted use since it opened in 1850, it carries the distinction of being the oldest, continuously operating covered shopping mall in the United States. The Paddock Arcade was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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. Also in the 1920's, arcade owners put forth a major redesign of the arcade, eschewing its original Gothic interior with a more modern design, which included the installation of the current translucent, steel-and-wire-glass dropped ceiling between its second and third stories. This ceiling still allowed light to filter in from the arcade's glass roof.
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 Johnny D's Casual Dining, Moontide Arts Fashion, Paddock Club , Steve Weed Productions , The Village Peddler bicycle shop and Paddock Antiques. In 2007, It was announced that the arcade would be host to Watertown's popular farmers market for its extended fall season.
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, Moontide Arts Fashion and New Age, Paddock Club Tavern, [Steve Weed Productions], The Village Peddler bicycle shop, Paddock Antiques, 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 its extended fall season.
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