[9] That same decade, the three-story Concert Hall Building,[10] which served as barracks and a prison during the American Civil War,[1] was constructed.

James J. Andrews, a spy known for his participation in the Great Locomotive Chase, was kept imprisoned at the building prior to his hanging.

[19] During a visit to Cleveland around the turn of the century, he became enamored by the city's Arcade, and he believed that a similar building could be successful in Atlanta.

[19] Otis would oversee the construction of the building and would also be in charge of its management after completion,[15] though it would remain under the ownership of Flynn Realty.

[6] According to an article published in The Atlanta Constitution after the arcade's announcement, the building "will undoubtedly compare favorably with any other such structure in the larger cities of this country and in Europe".

[1] Initially, work went smoothly, aided by good weather, and a September 10 article published by the chamber of commerce on the building stated that it was expected to be completed on time.

[8] By February 1918, with work still going on finishing touches that were expected to take several weeks, businesses had already begun moving into the building, with an occupancy of over 75 percent.

[22] The arcade was very popular with the public at large, with the chamber of commerce describing it as a "civic center"[23] and "the show place of Atlanta".

[22] In its first few years it attracted several nationwide retail chains, such as a Carson Pirie Scott & Co. department store,[23] and the arcade also served as the home for what would eventually be known as Georgia State University.

[23][24] In its role as a civic center, the arcade hosted numerous events, such as annual Christmas tree displays and Veterans Day dance and music programs performed by schoolchildren.

[31] In a 1993 book on the architecture of Atlanta, the American Institute of Architects listed the Peachtree Arcade as one of the most notable landmarks in the city to have been demolished, alongside the Carnegie Library, the Equitable Building, and Terminal Station.

[33] The arcade connected the two streets,[20] functioning similarly to a covered pedestrian road,[15][1] and both entrances were located at viaduct level.