The Arcade has been many things to different generations.

One of eight glassed-in shopping centers built in Ohio, The Arcade was the vision of Arcade Realty, a group of distinguished businessmen that included Carl Weiant, F. Kennedy, Charles Spencer, E.T. Rugg and the Swisher brothers, Harry and John, of cigar fame. It took nine months to secure the deeds or concessions from 55 people in order to construct the building, which bridged Third and Fourth Streets and cut between Church and West Main streets.

Today, the Arcade largely is quiet, awaiting the next chapter in its century-old story in downtown Newark.

While clearing away debris left throughout the structure, he found some of the original, arched windows, a glass display case and light fixtures.