The reimagining of Kline Tower at the top of Yale’s Science Hill transformed the 106,000-square-foot, landmark 1966 structure from a wet-lab research facility into a vibrant hub for Yale’s physical and mathematical sciences. The LEED Gold–certified renovation preserves the tower’s distinctive architectural character while delivering modern, flexible academic space. The adaptive reuse demonstrates how mid-century buildings can be thoughtfully leveraged for contemporary academic use.

The renovated building now houses the departments of Astronomy, Mathematics, and Statistics & Data Science, along with classrooms, academic offices, a library, and shared collaboration spaces. The departments are organized into three-floor communities, each with dedicated offices, collaboration areas, and conference rooms. Interconnected staircases open directly into collaboration spaces to encourage interaction and learning.

The project also includes a two-story connector linking Kline Tower to the Sloane Physics Laboratory and a below-grade tunnel connecting to Kroon Tower and the base of Science Hill.

Key engineering features include:

• Floor openings and feature stairs create new three-story departmental zones
• Conversion of the 13th-floor mechanical room into the Institute for Foundations of Data Science
• Transformation of the existing roof into a 14th-floor enclosed event space
• Integration with the Science Hill campus infrastructure, including connections to the Sloane Physics Laboratory
• Structural enhancements to support upgraded mechanical and electrical systems
• A Kline Tower to Kroon Hall connector extending 20 feet below the base of the existing tower footing, requiring rock pinning to protect existing foundations

Read more about Yale's Science Hill reinvention in this Civil Engineering feature, Highlight on the Hill.