John Brown Stone Warehouse

The John Brown Stone Warehouse, also known as the Canal House, is a historic commercial building in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, built in 1852. As the oldest commercial structure in the city, it showcases unique architecture with its two-story, gable front design. Originally constructed by Scottish American immigrant John Brown from salvaged materials, the warehouse served multiple purposes over the years, including as a workshop and storage for goods transported via the Wabash and Erie Canal. The building has changed hands several times, notably owned by the Lillie brothers and later the New York, Chicago, & St. Louis Railway. In 1970, it was donated to the city and renovated into office space for local arts organizations. The warehouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, making it a significant site for both tourists and researchers interested in the region's history and architecture.