Built in 1882 as the Hamilton Block, the Cornwell Building stood at the northeast corner of Huron Street and Fourth Avenue - just down the block from the Hands-On Museum - unil 1936, when it was demolished to make way for for a gas station. The gas station remains to this day, having been adapted over recent years to numerous uses including a design gallery, hair salon, and comic shop.
The building was originally owned by Alex White Hamilton, who was president of the Ann Arbor Water Company.
The Cornwell Building held various tenants, including,
- 1890s: Postal Telegraph Cable Company
- A bowling alley
- Cornwell Coal Company
- Register Publishing Company
- Third floor: Drill hall for Company A of the Michigan National Guard
- I.O.O.F. temple
- 1930s: the predecessor to Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Sources:
- St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, Parish History
- AADL Image Gallery, The Hamilton Block, 1910
