Knights of Columbus Building, New Haven

Standing tall in downtown New Haven, the Knights of Columbus Building-also known as the Knights of Columbus Tower or simply The Knights' Tower-is a striking landmark that reflects both architectural ingenuity and the mission of the organization it houses. Completed in 1969 and designed by the celebrated firm Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates, the 23-story modernist structure reaches a height of 320 feet (98 meters), making it the third-tallest building in the city’s skyline.

The building serves as the international headquarters of the Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic fraternal service organization with more than 15,000 councils worldwide. It is home to the Supreme Council, which, under the leadership of the Supreme Knight, oversees the global operations of the Order.

One of the most distinctive elements of the tower is its four cylindrical corner towers, which create a bold, geometric silhouette. These aren’t just stylistic choices-they symbolize the Order’s four core principles: Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Together, they form a kind of symbolic gateway to the city, underscoring the organization's deep-rooted commitment to community and service.

Constructed with reinforced concrete in a clean, vertical design, the building is both monumental and elegant-a physical embodiment of purpose and faith. Built on Columbus Plaza, the tower once stood beside the now-demolished New Haven Coliseum, also designed by Roche’s firm, reinforcing the architectural vision of the area during that period.

Today, the Knights of Columbus Tower remains not only a functional hub of international leadership but also a civic landmark, admired for its unique design and symbolic presence in the heart of New Haven.