On June 25, 1914, thousands gathered for the City Market and Arcade grand opening.[1] The word “arcade” describes a bisecting, open-ended tunnel—an architectural feature that allows shoppers to stroll and window-shop indoors.
Little Rock residents eagerly anticipated a one-stop marketplace where they could buy groceries from competing vendors, purchase household goods and furnishings, send letters, or do their banking. The building was an enormous endeavor, brought into existence by several prominent citizens and a progressive new attitude sweeping the city. Located in the city block between Louisiana and Center Streets and Sixth and Seventh Streets, construction costs were $300,000.[2]
The Arcade’s lifecycle mirrored the development of downtown Little Rock. It was constructed in the early 20th century as Little Rock took its first steps toward becoming a modern city. The building was demolished in 1960 as urban renewal transformed the city.
*The banner photo shows a view of the City Market and Arcade, a year after it opened. From: Sanitary Pottery, no. 1 (1915): p. 11.
[1] “Great Crowds at Arcade Opening,” Arkansas Democrat, June 26, 1914, 7.
[2] “The City Market and Arcade Building,” Sanitary Pottery 7, no. 1 (1915): 11.