Step Inside History: Exploring Bridgeport's Sterling Block and Bishop Arcade

Early Origins: The Sterling Block and the Rise of Bridgeport

The Sterling Block-Bishop Arcade, located at 993-1005 Main Street in downtown Bridgeport, Connecticut, is one of the oldest commercial buildings in the city. Originally built in 1841 as part of the Sterling Hotel, the building’s early years reflect Bridgeport’s transition from a maritime village to an industrial powerhouse. When the city was incorporated in 1836, Bridgeport was already on its way to becoming a key commercial hub, with rail connections to New York City cementing its role as an important center of trade and industry.

The Sterling Hotel, which occupied the site in the 1830s, was initially housed in a wood-frame structure that was later replaced in 1850 with a brick addition, marking the building’s first major expansion. This early section of the building, located at the northern end of the structure, represents the oldest part of the Sterling Block.

The Birth of the Arcade: A Commercial Transformation

In 1889, the Sterling Block underwent a significant transformation when William D. Bishop, a prominent local businessman, oversaw the expansion and the creation of the Bishop Arcade. This new section of the building, designed as a two-story glass-roofed arcade, was intended to connect Main Street to the city’s post office and create an indoor shopping experience, making it the first indoor shopping mall in Connecticut. The arcade was a novel feature at the time, with iron columns, arches, and decorative scrollwork enhancing its elegant design.

The addition of the arcade rapidly elevated the building’s status as a central commercial hub in Bridgeport. With shops lining its interior, the arcade became a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. Its central location in downtown Bridgeport, combined with the area’s growing prominence as an industrial center, made the Sterling Block-Bishop Arcade an important symbol of the city’s prosperity.

Architectural Features: A Blend of Old and New

The Bishop Arcade retains much of its original charm, particularly in its interior. The glass-roofed arcade is a striking feature, with its historic ironwork and open-air design offering a glimpse into the commercial architecture of the late 19th century. The building’s exterior, however, has been altered over time, losing much of its original 19th-century styling.

Today, the Bishop Arcade stands as a notable example of Bridgeport’s historic commercial architecture, combining elements from different periods of its development. It is part of the Bridgeport Downtown South Historic District, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, highlighting its importance in the city’s history.

Preservation and Recognition

The Bishop Arcade was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, recognizing its significance as an early example of an indoor shopping space and its contributions to Bridgeport’s architectural heritage. It remains an important landmark in the downtown area, representing both the city’s 19th-century commercial growth and its ongoing efforts to preserve its historic buildings amidst modern development.

Visiting the Bishop Arcade Today

It would be easy to pass the Bishop Arcade without even noticing that it’s there thanks to a rather bland exterior, but curious passersby who decide to peek inside are in for a treat. Though the arcade is on the small side, its beauty is well-preserved and still has incredible charm. Though several of the storefronts are vacant and I couldn’t determine what all of the ones that were in use were, or whether they are open to the public, it seemed to be a mixture of local businesses: offices, a clothing store, Kindred Thoughts Bookstore, a shop called Dancer’s Price, and a barbershop among them. This isn’t a mall that you’ll likely spend hours at, but it appears to be a fun, creative space and probably a good opportunity for local artisans to set up shop. It’s also a fantastic window into the city’s past – be sure you don’t miss the framed historic photos of Bridgeport and the Bishop Arcade while you are there!