Merchants Square

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Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Short descriptionScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". Merchants Square is a 20th-century interpretation of an 18th-century-style retail village in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1]

History

Conceived in 1927 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin,[2] Merchants Square is considered to be one of the first planned shopping districts in the United States, if not the first.[2] Small shops throughout Williamsburg would move into a centrally located area that used architecture that was in harmony with the restoration's character. William G. Perry, chief architect of the Williamsburg Restoration, designed the shopping district.[3]

Most of the stores and shops are located on Duke of Gloucester Street (DoG St.) right across from The College of William & Mary’s campus.[2] To keep the area as close to historical accuracy as possible, all telephone wires were placed underground, and modern day technologies such as air-conditioning ducts and garage equipment were hidden with shrubs and plantings.[2]

Present day

File:MerchantsSquare2.jpg
Another view of the square

Today there are over 40 shops and restaurants located in Merchants Square.[4] The area is also used for other purposes, such as seasonal concerts, a farmers' market, and special movie screenings.[4]

References

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  2. a b c d Merchants Square – History. Retrieved on June 28, 2008.
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  4. a b Merchants Square – Home Template:Webarchive. Retrieved on June 28, 2008.

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External links

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