City Hall versus One Liberty Place: Philadelphia YIMBY Compares Massing Renderings of the 1905 and the 1987 Skyline

The 20th Century was a key period for development in Philadelphia, with numerous remarkable structures built in the 100-year time period. At the very start of the century, City Hall was finishing construction in the heart of the city, with the William Penn Statue was topped on the structure six years beforehand. The 548-foot masonry structure was completed in 1901. Flashing forward to 1987, an even more massive monolith was finishing construction: One Liberty Place in Center City, which stands 945 feet tall. Philadelphia YIMBY compares the time periods when the two giants dominated the skyline fresh upon completion.

Philadelphia 1905 east elevation. Photo by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia skyline 1905 south elevation. Photo by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia 1905 west elevation. Photo by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia 1905 north elevation. Photo by Thomas Koloski

Back in the very early days of the 1900s, the skyline was largely empty, with the business economy focusing on trade and markets. Horses roamed the streets as a form of transportation, train whistles sounded all around, and plumes of smoke and steam were rising all around the city, well visible as there were few massive structures blocking out sound and sight. City Hall was the only structure prominently poking out of the skyline, and held the spotlight for many years. The tower stood high above the brick structures, bright white with the stone and marble before the facade faded to black from coal and soot.

Philadelphia 1987 east elevation. Model and image by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia 1987 south elevation. Model and image by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia 1987 west elevation. Model and image by Thomas Koloski

Philadelphia 1987 north elevation. Model and image by Thomas Koloski

By 1987, City Hall became enclosed with numerous office towers. Two blocks to the west, One Liberty Place was finalizing construction, standing nearly twice the height of the tallest office buildings in the city. The tower stood out thanks to its materials, with blue glass strongly contrasting with the predominantly stone and concrete towers. The skyscraper quickly became a city icon and ushered further growth of the skyline.

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