Millen-Chase-McCalla House, Bloomington

The Millen-Chase-McCalla House stands as a testament to the city's rich history, with its origins dating back to the early 19th century. The house emerged in three distinct phases, each contributing to its unique architectural character. The first phase occurred in 1844 when William and Elizabeth Millen built the original "I House" on the property. In 1854, Aaron Chase constructed a connecting main house, giving the historic home its current L-shaped layout. The final phase took place in 1871 when John McCalla and his family conducted renovations, incorporating Greek Revival and Italianate-style elements into the design.

However, the property's history extends even further back, tracing its roots to Monroe County's founding in 1818. Notably, the land was once owned by James Whitcomb, a prominent figure in Indiana's political landscape. Whitcomb's legacy includes serving as Monroe County's prosecuting attorney, an Indiana Senator, Governor of Indiana, and a U.S. Senator. His tenure on the property paved the way for its eventual division, with the southern half evolving into the site where the historic L-shaped house would later stand.

Today, the Millen-Chase-McCalla House serves as the location for Topo's 403, a beloved restaurant owned by the Topolgus family. Despite its storied past, many locals affectionately refer to the house as The Topolgus Building, honoring the family's longstanding connection to Bloomington. The Topolgus family's ties to the community date back to Dr. James N. Topolgus, who immigrated to America in 1913 and became one of the first graduates of the Indiana University School of Medicine's obstetrics and gynecological department.