The parcel known as 687-691 State Street offers a quintessential look into New Haven's social and architectural history over the past fifty years. The structure was first built new in in 1966 to house Jet Dry Cleaners, which is still today its current owner.  Architect Vincent Amore, a graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, set out to make a Mies van der Rohe inspired masterpiece, with wall to wall glass. The design was realized by Rapid Construction Company of New Haven and the roof is supported by steel I-beams, which are attached on the outside of the roof, giving the ceiling a floating effect. Interestingly enough, even at its inception, the building has been under threat of demolition, be it due to the city of New Haven wanting to replace it with the on-ramp to Interstate 91 (1966) or due to the riots related to the Black Panther Trials (1970.) In spite of these threats, the building still stands today, unique because of it's iconic floor to ceiling glass façade, its architectural bronze I-beams and roof, and the fact that it remains occupied by the same family who opened the business originally.



The Amores in 1966 The original Jet Dry Cleaners. Jet Dry Cleaners today