246 Church Street

246 Church Street

246 Church Street is an office space currently owned and maintained by Yale University. Built in 1961 – the tail end of the postwar modernist and brutalist movements – this subdued structure offers an intriguing blend of cohesion and contrast to its more ornate neighbors to the south and north. It epitomizes the notion of function over form; save for a latticework grate adorning the staircase window and a metal awning covering the entrance, 246 Church features no other distinct ornamentations. The façade is covered in dark brickwork and concrete, with several thin columns emphasizing the verticality of this stoic edifice. Historically, the lot has seen several owners and at least three different structures. Today it hosts a variety of Yale administrative offices, including the university registrar, hospitality services, and financial aid.

Researcher

Kevin Sullivan

Date Researched

Entry Created

February 26, 2018 at 2:35 AM EST

Last Updated

March 2, 2018 at 11:23 PM EST by null

Historic Name

Style

Modernist

Current Use

CommercialOffices / Business ActivitiesInstitutional

Era

1950-1980

Neighborhood

Other

Tours

Year Built

1961

Architect

Unknown

Current Tenant

Yale University - Registrar, Financial Aid, Hospitality

Roof Types

Flat

Structural Conditions

Very Good

Street Visibilities

Yes

Threats

None known

External Conditions

Very Good

Dimensions

31,526 square feet

Street Visibilities

Yes

Owner

Yale University

Ownernishp Type

Client

Historic Uses

CommercialResidentialInstitutional

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246 Church Street's main fa�ade, as seen from across the street. Photo by Kevin Sullivan.
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246 Church as viewed from the corner of Wall/Church. The concrete and brick fa�ade seems to blend right into the stone and brick of the Whitney Humanities Center (left). Photo by Kevin Sullivan.
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246 Church Street (center left) as viewed from the corner of Grove/Whitney. Notice the chimney-esque quality of the elevator tower. Photo by Kevin Sullivan.
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The metal latticework covering the stairwell windows, just above the original entrance. The dense design tricks one to believe the building is taller than just four floors. Photo by Kevin Sullivan.
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A view of Church Street looking north from Elm, circa 1923. Though it is hard to see, 246 Church is the short home in the distance, sixth in line from the rear of the courthouse. Photo from the Ellickson personal collection, Yale Digital Archives. http://findit.library.yale.edu/catalog/digcoll:2154829

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