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Knights of Columbus Building (New Haven, Connecticut) facts for kids

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Knights of Columbus Building
Knights of Columbus headquarters.jpg
Knights of Columbus Building, New Haven, CT.
General information
Type Office
Location One Columbus Plaza
New Haven, Connecticut 06510-2100
United States
Coordinates 41°18′09″N 72°55′39″W / 41.3026°N 72.9274°W / 41.3026; -72.9274
Completed 1969
Owner Knights of Columbus
Height
Roof 321 ft (98 m)
Technical details
Floor count 23
Design and construction
Architect Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates

The Knights of Columbus Building is a very important and tall building located in downtown New Haven, Connecticut. It serves as the main office, or headquarters, for a special group called the Knights of Columbus. This group is a Roman Catholic organization that helps people and communities.

Discovering the Knights of Columbus Building

A Landmark in New Haven

This impressive building is also known as the Knights of Columbus Tower. It was designed by a famous architectural firm, Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates. The building was completed in 1969. Standing at about 320 feet (98 meters) tall, it has 23 stories. This makes it the third-tallest building in New Haven's skyline. Its style is called modern, and it is made from reinforced concrete.

What is the Knights of Columbus?

The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide organization. It is a "fraternal service organization," which means its members act like a family, supporting each other and working together to help others. They are known for their volunteering and charitable work. This building is their international headquarters. It is where the "Supreme Council" meets. The Supreme Knight, who is like the leader, guides over 15,000 local groups around the world from this building.

Design and Special Features

The Knights of Columbus Tower has a very unique look. It features four tall, round towers at each corner. These cylindrical towers give the building a simple, strong shape. They are not just for looks! Each tower represents one of the four main ideas, or principles, of the Knights of Columbus.

The Four Principles in Stone

The four principles represented by the building's corner towers are:

  • Charity: Helping those in need.
  • Unity: Working together as one team.
  • Fraternity: Being like brothers and sisters, supporting each other.
  • Patriotism: Loving and serving one's country.

These principles guide the Knights of Columbus in all their activities.

Its Place in the City

The building is located at One Columbus Plaza. It was once right next to the New Haven Coliseum. The Coliseum was a large arena that was taken down in 2007. Interestingly, the same architects who designed the Knights of Columbus Building also designed the Coliseum.

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