Richard C. Lee Courthouse

141 Church Street
New Haven, CT 06471
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The Richard C. Lee U.S. Courthouse, formerly known as the New Haven U.S. Post Office and Courthouse, is located on Church Street facing the New Haven Green. The courthouse is bound by Church Street to the west, a pedestrian right-of-way (formerly Court Street) to its north, a pedestrian and restricted vehicular-use plaza to its east, and a vehicular access drive to its south. In 1998, the building was renamed to honor Richard C. Lee, a former New Haven mayor who was a pivotal figure in the building’s preservation as well as the city’s revitalization.

Public Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (except federal holidays)
Public Access: Security screening required
Key Tenants: U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut

Parking and Public Transportation

CTtransit Bus, Amtrak Railroad Station 0.2 miles away on State Street, and taxis available. Parking is available at nearby lots.

History and Architectural Features

The courthouse was constructed between 1913-1919 as the city’s second federal building. Designed by New York architect James Gamble Rogers, it was the last federal building to be contracted to a private firm under the provisions of the Tarsney Act. It is a handsome example of the Beaux Arts style favored by Supervising Architect of the Treasury James Knox Taylor. Initiated in the final year of his term, it remains a remarkably intact monument to Taylor’s espousal of the symbolic value of federal buildings as lasting monuments to democracy.

Landmark Status

Eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.