Shopping, History, and Mobsters: The Cleveland Arcade Has It All

The Cleveland Arcade: More Than Just a Place to Shop

So, if you've ever walked through the Cleveland Arcade, you know it’s pretty hard to miss. The grand marble floors, the soaring glass skylight, and that Victorian-era charm—it’s like stepping into a different time. In fact there was once a time when its only rival in beauty was in Milan, and was named ‘Cleveland’s Crystal Palace!’

It all started because Rockefeller (yep, that Rockefeller) wanted to be able to shop indoors. The structure was inspired by Milan’s ‘Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II’, and is actually two nine-story towers built side-by-side with a massive, stunning skylight stretching between them. 😲

But did you know this stunning building has a history that’s got a little bit of mystery, a dash of drama, and some seriously cool (and shady) past? 🙊

A Hidden Past in Plain Sight

When the Cleveland Arcade opened in 1890, it was one of the very first indoor shopping malls in the U.S. And with its opulent design, it quickly became the place to be for the city’s elite. But while people were out there shopping for luxury goods, there was some secret stuff happening up above…and possibly below.

Back in the 1920s, during Prohibition, the Arcade wasn’t just for pretty things and window shopping. Oh no. The upper floors of the Arcade were supposedly home to some seriously hush-hush speakeasies and underground bars, hidden from the eyes of the law. The wealthy and powerful could sneak in and grab a drink or two (or five) without the fuzz showing up. 🚓

Pretty wild, right? It’s also rumored that the Arcade’s winding staircases and hidden rooms made for perfect spots for secret meetings and, let’s say, not-so-legal activities. 🍻👯‍♀️

Mafia Vibes, Anyone?

Here’s where it gets even more interesting: the Cleveland Arcade was smack dab in the middle of the city’s mafia action. Yeah, I’m talking about the infamous Cleveland crime syndicate that was all over the place back in the day. The Arcade’s close proximity to all that shady business made it the perfect meeting spot for organized crime. Some even say the Arcade was a hot spot for some of the biggest bootleggers in Cleveland during Prohibition.

And there’s more—rumor has it that the Arcade was the site of some of the most important, secretive meetings between Cleveland’s mafia bosses, including John "Johnny" Scalish. Decisions made in the Arcade probably shaped the city’s criminal underworld for years. Crazy, huh?

Restoring the Glory

By the mid-20th century, the Arcade was kind of falling apart. It wasn’t the glamorous spot it used to be, and honestly, there were talks of tearing it down. But thank goodness for restoration efforts in the 1980s! The Arcade was brought back to life, and today it’s a historic landmark, buzzing with life once again.

Now, it’s a mix of shops, restaurants, and offices, but it still feels just as majestic as ever. You can visit, grab a coffee, do some shopping, and still get the same grand vibes that people felt back in the 1890s. And hey, if you’ve got your eyes peeled, you might even notice a few architectural quirks that make you wonder if the building’s still hiding any secrets.

The Arcade Today: A Step Back in Time (With Better Coffee)

The Cleveland Arcade might not be hiding speakeasies or mob meetings anymore (probably), but it’s still one of the coolest spots in downtown Cleveland. It's got a vibe that's part history, part modern-day buzz, and all around beautiful. Whether you’re there to snap some Instagram shots or just wander and wonder about the past, the Arcade’s got a little something for everyone.

So, next time you’re in the Arcade, take a second to look around. Don’t just think of it as a shopping mall—think of it as a building with a rich history, a bit of drama, and maybe a few stories still lingering in its walls. You never know what secrets might still be hiding.