ProJo: "Providence's Arcade to reopen in fall as mix of retail, professional lofts"

By Maria Armental

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Arcade, America's oldest indoor mall, will reopen in the fall with a mix of retail and lofts that would retain much of the 1828 building's historic character, owner Evan Granoff said at a news conference Wednesday.

Granoff said14 new shops and restaurants will open on the first floor. The restaurants, he said, will have separate entrances so they can remain open past the retail floor's 9 p.m. closing.

Meanwhile, 48 microlofts, averaging 225 to 270 square feet, will be built on the second and third floors to cater to young professionals.

Under the $7-million project, Granoff said, historic windows closed for years will be restored.

The work, to begin shortly, is estimated to be completed by the summer.

-- Reported by Journal Staff Writer Alisha Pina