| Merchants Square and Resort Historic District | |
| Nrhp Type: | hd |
| Nocat: | yes |
| Designated Other1: | Virginia Landmarks Register |
| Designated Other1 Date: | December 7, 2005[1] |
| Designated Other1 Number: | 137-5027 |
| Designated Other1 Num Position: | bottom |
| Location: | Boundary St., Duke of Gloucester St., S. England St., Francis St., Henry St. Prince George St., Williamsburg, Virginia |
| Coordinates: | 37.2706°N -76.7017°W |
| Architect: | Perry, Shaw & Hepburn et al. |
| Architecture: | Colonial, Colonial Revival |
| Added: | May 3, 2006 |
| Refnum: | 06000365 |
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.[2]
Conceived in 1927 by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Reverend W. A. R. Goodwin,[3] Merchants Square is considered to be one of the first planned shopping districts in the United States, if not the first.[3] 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.[4]
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.[3] 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.[3]
Today there are over 40 shops and restaurants located in Merchants Square.[5] The area is also used for other purposes, such as seasonal concerts, a farmers' market, and special movie screenings.[5]