Lafayette B. Mendel House, New Haven

Located on Trumbull Street in New Haven, the Lafayette B. Mendel House is a historic Italianate-style residence best known for its association with pioneering nutrition scientist Lafayette Benedict Mendel (1872–1935). Designed by noted local architect Henry Austin, the house was constructed around 1858 and is one of the earlier structures in a neighborhood that saw most of its development in the 1880s.

Architecturally, the two-story brick house features a hip roof topped with a square cupola, broad eaves, and a front entrance sheltered by a portico supported by Doric columns. While not particularly elaborate in design, the house retains much of its original woodwork and interior detailing, despite later adaptations for use as professional office space—it is currently occupied by a law firm.

The home’s historical importance lies in its former resident, Lafayette B. Mendel, who lived here from 1900 to 1924. Mendel, a Yale University physiology professor, and a biochemist trained under Russell Henry Chittenden, made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of human nutrition. His work, often conducted in collaboration with Thomas B. Osborne, led to the identification of vitamins A and B, a clearer understanding of amino acids, and the realization that different proteins have varying nutritional values.

In recognition of its scientific and historical significance, the Lafayette B. Mendel House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976.