In downtown Asheville, the Grove Arcade is more than an attractive place to shop. Its corridors and distinctive architecture offer a window into the city's changing commercial history.

The landmark was conceived by developer E. W. Grove during Asheville's early twentieth-century growth. The building opened in 1929 and became one of the city's most recognizable gathering places for commerce and everyday life.

Its story took a dramatic turn during World War II, when the federal government occupied the building. For decades, the arcade served government functions rather than the public shopping environment originally envisioned.

A later restoration helped return the property to a lively role in downtown Asheville. Today, shops, food businesses and other tenants occupy a building whose architectural details invite visitors to look up as well as browse.

The most interesting part of the Grove Arcade may be its continuity through change. Asheville has seen booms, setbacks, reinvention and a growing interest in preserving what gives downtown its character.

Residents who already know the building may discover something new by slowing down and noticing its design. For newcomers, it offers a compact introduction to the connections between architecture, history and local business.

As with any downtown outing, individual tenant hours may vary. Checking current business information before visiting is worthwhile.