Built by Henry W. "Baker" Smith this unique structure is a forerunner of the enclosed mall shopping center. The Arcade Building was the center of activity in Punta Gorda from 1926 to 1958. During this period the U.S. Post Office was located in the building. Residents made daily trips to the post office to receive their mail since the area did not have home delivery. Also the Maxwell drug store, a small grocery store, a dentist's office, a radio repair business, a beauty parlor and a real estate office were located in the building. It was a favorite activity to stop for ice cream while waiting for mail, probably in the drug store which had a soda fountain. Today the Arcade is closed and the building houses the Perfect Caper Restaurant and a Florida Dept. of Correction state probation office.
