This shopping arcade was constructed in 1916 to resemble similar arcades in Europe. It was designed by Hermann Pipp who also designed the Barton Hills Country Club. The building is Beaux Arts Classic in design, bordering on Art Deco. A glass skylight c onnects both sides of the arcade, uniting eighteen shops within. Of all eighteen, only three of the original stores remain today - Van Boven's, the Caravan, and the post office. The arcade is named Nickel's arcade after John H. Nickels who owned the lan d between State Street and Maynard. Nickel's son, Tom E. Nickels is credited for the actual construction of the arcade. Though the arcade remains essentially unchanged, a major refurbishing was done in 1987 to preserve its original features. The terra cotta was repointed, mosaic tiles were reset in the floor, and new lamps were hung. Today the arcade remains a historical masterpiece, housing specialty stores indicative of Ann Arbor's uniqueness.