John Brown Stone Warehouse

John Brown Stone Warehouse

Company type	Historic commercial building
Industry	Stone merchant, masonry, freight storage
Founded	1852
Founder	John Brown
Headquarters	Fort Wayne , United States
Products	Stone materials, freight storage

The John Brown Stone Warehouse, frequently referred to as the Canal House, stands as a significant historic commercial edifice located in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Erected in 1852, this two-level stone building features a gable-front design with three bays, spanning 22 feet in width and extending 50 feet in depth. John Brown, who operated a stone merchant and masonry enterprise, constructed this structure using reclaimed materials. It holds the distinction of being Fort Wayne's oldest commercial building and has since been adapted for office purposes.

This warehouse represents the sole remaining intact building associated with the Wabash and Erie Canal within Allen County. John Brown, originally from Glasgow in Scotland, was a skilled stonecutter who utilized the facility both as a workshop and storage space while conducting import and export activities via the Canal. Over time, Brown expanded his business ventures to include grocery operations and contracting, as well as serving in capacities with the Fort Wayne Gas Light Company and a regional bank. Subsequently, ownership transferred to the Lillie brothers, who were merchants dealing in stone, lime, cement, and plaster. In 1862, Henry Drover—a German immigrant and former mayor of Huntington engaged in manufacturing wood products transported through the Canal—purchased the property. By 1895, the New York, Chicago, & St. Louis Railway had acquired the warehouse for use as freight storage and shipping facilities. The railway later gifted the building to the city in 1970.

Renovations converting the warehouse into office space occurred in 1976 as part of a U.S. Bicentennial initiative. Following this transformation, it became home to Arts United, a local fine arts organization. The building was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.