Kline Tower renovation

Fourteenth-floor lounge at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Fourteenth-floor conference space at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Fourteenth-floor conference space at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Fourteenth-floor collaboration space at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Fourteenth-floor boardroom at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Eighth-floor collaboration space at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Eighth-floor communicating stair at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Second-floor classroom at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
Second-floor collaboration space at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth
First-floor lobby at Kline Tower, Yale University, photo by Thomas Holdsworth

This comprehensive renovation project converts research laboratories into new classrooms, meeting rooms, academic offices, and collaboration spaces within Kline Tower (KT), while also enhancing connectivity with the surrounding buildings.

Bold but thoughtful changes, such as a new grand staircase that now connects the lower three floors of the tower, were made to the original Philip Johnson-designed structure to bring people together across the building. Another signature feature of this project includes a re-envisioned fourteenth floor, which once housed mechanical systems, and what is now one of the university’s most coveted event spaces. New conference areas on this floor provide panoramic views of Yale, greater New Haven, and the Long Island Sound.

location

219 Prospect Street

project size

186,000 gross square feet

Construction schedule

Fall 2020 to August 2023 (tower), summer 2024 (concourse)

Impact on the area
  • The Kline Tower and Sloane Physics Laboratory passageway is closed, and the northern Science Hill buildings can be accessed from Prospect Street, Sachem’s Wood, or Whitney Avenue.
  • Exterior brownstone repairs continue on floors 13 and 14 (end date is wind and weather dependent).
  • The Gibbs Court landscaping project is in progress between Sloane Physics Laboratory and Sterling Chemistry Laboratory.
  • Anticipated disruptions in the construction area include noise, dust, and vibration.
for occupants and visitors
building details
  • Architect, 1966: Philip C. Johnson, DFAH 1978
  • Renovation, 2023: Stantec (designer); Gilbane Building Company (contractor)
  • Style: Late Modernism, New Formalism
sustainability

The Kline Tower renovation is targeting a LEED Gold v4 certification. For more information about Yale’s built environment, visit the Office of Sustainability.


Top images: © Thomas Holdsworth