Paddock Arcade
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The Paddock Arcade, located in Watertown, New York, is the oldest continuously operating covered mall in the United States. Although there are older arcades in the country, the Paddock has been used continuously since it was first built in 1850.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] History
The arcade was built by Watertown native Loveland Paddock and designed by architect Otis Wheelock, and was based on similar arcades built in the United States and Europe during this time. Shops occupied the bottom floor, while the upper floors were used for office space.
In the early 20th century, renovations were made to the Paddock Building, while 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.
[edit] Today
The arcade today still functions as a shopping and business center in Watertown's downtown district. The arcade, as well as Public Square, are on the National Register of Historic Places and remain a source of pride to Watertown natives.
