The Phoenix Building, located at 101 LincolnWay West in Mishawaka, stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. Its story begins in the aftermath of a devastating fire on September 5, 1872, which destroyed 49 buildings, including Mishawaka’s entire business district. From this tragedy, the Phoenix Building rose, symbolizing the city’s determination to rebuild and thrive.

Constructed in 1873 by local visionaries John Niles, Henry Niles, Joseph Burt, and Buford Holcomb, the three-story brick structure became Mishawaka’s most iconic landmark. Spanning from Main Street to the adjacent alley, the building housed Burt’s Opera House, a cultural centerpiece with seating for approximately 1,000 people. The opera house quickly became a hub for community events, hosting dances, concerts, plays, and even roller skating and professional indoor ball games.

The Phoenix Building’s second floor was home to the Century Club, which brought together Mishawaka’s social scene with billiards, reading rooms, and frequent events. Over the decades, the building housed various businesses, including Hook’s Drug Store and the Mustang Restaurant, while Burt’s Opera House remained a venue for entertainment and community gatherings.

In the 1980s, the building faced another challenge when a fire destroyed the Covey Restaurant, which had occupied the space for years. However, much like its namesake, the Phoenix Building rose once again under the ownership of Don Kelly, who, alongside his son Rich Kelly, worked to preserve its history and legacy.

A unique architectural detail, a phoenix rising from a lion’s head, once crowned the building’s peak as a symbol of rebirth. Today, that lion’s head can be found at the Hannah Lindahl Children’s Museum on South Main Street, serving as a reminder of the building’s enduring spirit and the remarkable history it represents.

The Phoenix Building continues to honor its legacy as a historic venue, celebrating the resilience and determination that have defined it since 1872. Its walls tell the story of a community that refused to be defeated, a story that lives on in every event and gathering it hosts.