June 1984 saw the completion of yet another renovation project: The Drake Hotel's shopping arcade. The "face-lift" and expansion work that transformed the arcade was done under the watchful eye of David Williams.
A new arcade entrance was developed from the Walton Street side and joined the north-south corridor to Oak Street. At the joining of the new entrance, a marble column equiangular rotunda was created, featuring a mirrored ceiling at the junction of the arcade's three corridors. This additional opening provided space for more boutiques and shops as well as twelve more showcase windows. These were done in the same 1920’s design to match the existing showcases. In keeping with the tasteful character of the hotel, a new, three-color marble floor was emplaced with a similar checked character of the original. Bottacino marble imported from Italy was used. Oak moldings were installed to coordinate with a deep color scheme of the new floor and suede wall coverings, wheat hued, for a softened touch. Overhead ceiling lights and 43 lantern-type scones illuminate the arcade.
The Oak Street entrance boasts the original 1920s round frame of the revolving door with its finely carved filigree. Paint stripping during renovation revealed solid oak in perfect condition, which was stained to expose the original wood graining. The original revolving doors were returned and stained to the circular entrance with new brass handles. Solid oak arches and moldings were installed on the upper wall of the corridor to carry through the traditional design.
