Located at 301-305 North Main Street in Ann Arbor, stands a commercial brick building with a rich history deeply intertwined with the legacy of Dr. Alvin Wood Chase. Constructed in the Italianate style, this edifice, now known as the Courier Block, was erected in two phases by W. H. Mallory, marking its presence both during and after the tumultuous years of the American Civil War. Originally, this building served as the steam printing house for Dr. Chase, a prominent figure in 19th-century publishing.
Dr. Chase was not merely a local newspaper publisher; he was the mind behind Dr. Chase’s Recipes, or Information for Everybody, a book that achieved phenomenal success. Culinary historian Jan Longone aptly described it as potentially “Michigan’s single greatest contribution to American cookbook history.” Starting as a modest sixteen-page pamphlet, it rapidly expanded, reaching its 26th edition by 1865. The leather-bound, gilt-embossed 384-page edition remarkably outsold every book in America except for the Bible. This comprehensive guide contained a diverse range of information, from medical remedies and cooking recipes to beekeeping advice and methods for detecting counterfeit currency. It became an essential resource for pioneers venturing westward and was translated into multiple languages, solidifying Dr. Chase’s reputation and wealth.
In 1869, Dr. Chase made the decision to retire, selling his printing house and the rights to his publications to Rice A. Beal. This decision would later become a source of regret as he witnessed Beal’s burgeoning wealth from reprinting Dr. Chase’s Recipes. Beal’s legacy continued through his son Junius, a future Regent of the University of Michigan, who managed both the Ann Arbor Courier and the Recipes until 1906, ensuring the continued influence of Dr. Chase’s publications.
The 20th century saw the building transition through various commercial uses. It housed a rug factory, served as a wholesale grocery, and even became a Montgomery Ward warehouse. Eventually falling into disuse, the building was purchased and revitalized in 1968 by the innovative planning firm of Johnson, Johnson and Roy, founded by landscape architect brothers Carl and William Johnson in 1957. Renowned for their progressive approach, particularly after developing a master plan for the University of Michigan campus in the early 1960s, Johnson, Johnson and Roy chose this historic building for their offices. This renovation marked a pivotal moment as the first investment in a historic building within downtown Ann Arbor, setting a precedent for urban renewal. Their contribution was recognized in 1976 with a Bicentennial Award for enhancing Ann Arbor’s quality of life through the renovation of 301-305 N. Main.
While time has weathered some of its original ornate details, including the projecting wood cornice and arched centerpiece, the Courier Block still retains notable architectural features. Corbelled arcading, distinctive window hoods, and dentate brickwork within the central portion remain as testaments to its original Italianate design.
Despite some architectural modifications, the Courier Block endures as a prominent landmark at a key corner of Ann Arbor’s original central business district. It stands as a significant site in publishing history and a symbol of urban revitalization. Johnson, Johnson and Roy’s early vision for the value of downtown historic buildings has been vindicated by the surge in restoration projects in the 1970s and 80s and continues to inspire preservation efforts in Ann Arbor today. The legacy of Dr. Chase’s house and its subsequent transformations serve as a compelling chapter in Ann Arbor’s architectural and cultural narrative.
