Powell Building, 155-157 Church Street, New Haven, New Haven County, CT

Significance: The Powell Building was among New Haven's first building recognized as a "skyscraper." The two bottom stories and the two top stories are detailed in Neo-Gothic Revival motifs, but the building's outstanding characteristic is the height that is achieved by placing eight relatively plain floors between the decorated cap and base. The resulting shaft-like appearance distinguishes the Powell Building from other contemporary commercial structures in the city, which are essentially heightened versions of various historical styles. The architect, Roy W. Foote, was among New Haven's leading architects in the first half of the 20th century, largely due to his pathbreaking local efforts in high-rise construction. The building faces the New Haven Green, the focal point of downtown, which is surrounded by distinguished commercial and institutional buildings built over the last 170 years.
Survey number: HABS CT-363