The Liberty Place development in Center City holds a pivotal place in the Philadelphia skyline, having made a gigantic impact on the and the city’s image and its profile as a business hub. A pointed spire tops the tallest tower, the 945-foot-tall One Liberty Place at 1650 Market Street, outfitted with broadcasting equipment. The complex was designed by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn and developed by Rouse and Associates. In this feature, Philadelphia YIMBY shares images of One Liberty Place from the day the spire had topped out.
One Liberty Place from North Broad Street. Photo by Thomas Koloski
One Liberty Place spire and City Hall. Photo from Courier Post
In 1987, the steel frame of One Liberty Place was still under construction. According to news reports, the spire was originally projected to top out during the winter. The steel was topped out at the end of January and the first section of the spire was installed in February. By March, the second section of the spire base was installed. In April, welding problems were found in the installation process. Surprisingly, a 30-foot, nine-ton section of the spire was hoisted up and attached to the top of the building on May 11th.
One Liberty Place spire lifting near the top. Photo from Philadelphia Daily News
One Liberty Place spire near pinnacle. Photo from the Philadelphia Inquirer
The top of the spire was placed next to the northeast corner of One Liberty Place, ready to go up after inspections were complete. The last section, which measures 47 feet tall and weighs 12 tons, was scheduled to be lifted up at 9:00 AM. Weather and heavy winds delayed the topping, similarly to the topping of the William Penn statue atop City Hall, but the spire was finally on its way up by by noon. The last piece of the spire was in place by 12:45 PM, mounted in place by a group of six workers. Once welded, the workers cheered and commemorated the topping as an American flag proudly waved in the sky.
One Liberty Place spire in place. Photo from Philadelphia Daily News
One Liberty Place spire topping. Photo from the Philadelphia Inquirer
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Great memories
Makes me feel old but with a mile wide smile at this wondrous achievement!
Do hope one more supertall be built near the old Bulletin building. It is doable if more corporations fill the space
Blood ,sweat , steel and danger
Is the life of union ironworkers
A real deal skilled top off , Hellayeah.