One Liberty Place has been a centerpiece of the Philadelphia skyline since 1987, with a nighttime display that highlights the angled crown and spire. Designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn and developed by Rouse and Associates, the 945-foot-tall, 61-story tower is part of a complex that includes the similarly-sized Two Liberty Place tower as well as a hotel and a shopping mall. Recently, an upgrade has been completed on the building’s decorative lighting, restoring its place on the night skyline.
The building was first proposed in 1984, boldly breaking the 548-foot “gentlemen’s agreement” height limit set by the turn-of-the-century City Hall tower. The tower broke ground in May of 1985 with a major ceremony. Steel erection began at the beginning of 1986 and the structure roses halfway up by August. The top floor topped out on December 13th and the spire topped out on May 27, 1987. Later that year, the bright white neon lights at the crown and spire were switched on for the first time, becoming a new beacon for Philadelphia.
One Liberty Place neon display from Belmont Plateau. Photo by Philadelphia Daily News
One Liberty Place and the Philadelphia skyline from Camden. Photo by Alyssa Chiampi/@amc811.photos on Instagram
One Liberty Place and the Philadelphia skyline from Pennsauken. Photo by Alyssa Chiampi/@amc811.photos on Instagram
One Liberty Place restored crown lighting. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The lights had lost their luster over time and they were replaced with a new and modern system by the time the Comcast Center was under construction in the late 2000’s. However, the restoration did not age well, with many sections having been turned off or shining in a different color, as well as being very dim compared to their original state. Thankfully, the latest restoration, which may have been prompted by the erection of another Comcast tower nearby (the Comcast Technology Center) that also features a bright nighttime display, has restored the building to its former glory. Hopefully the current display will last for a long time.
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New lights are definitely interesting.
I’m surprised at how much coverage One Liberty Place has had on this site.
I would like to see coverage for Comcast and if they are planning a third skyscraper anytime soon.
Also, coverage on the history of the Market-Frankford Line would be an interesting read.
The new lights look fantastic. When will Two Liberty Place get new lights?