Skyscrapers that make up the Philadelphia’s skyline must be maintained to keep a clean look that enhances the city. Though most of the cleaning takes place in warmer conditions, the towers are cleaned during all four seasons, with workers daring the conditions high above the ground. Today, Philadelphia YIMBY exhibits the crews of people who take on the challenge to keep these large structures in good condition.
Worker on top One Liberty Place. Photo by Thomas Koloski
BMU on top FMC Tower. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Many newer skyscrapers are equipped with building maintenance units that are on tracks, allowing the crane to extend outward above the façade. However, some of the largest skyscrapers in Philadelphia do not have building maintenance units (BMUs) at the top of the building, such as the Independence Blue Cross Tower, which only has a platform on a pulley system to clean the floors under the terraces. The crown of the tower has to be hand-washed by workers on harnesses. While the washing are managed by many companies, one of the main ones doing the work is the Jenkintown Building Services in North Philadelphia.
Worker on top Two Liberty Place. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The workers can escape the building by the glass panels as there are glass doors specifically for maintenance. On the top of One Liberty Place, a BMU travels on a rail on the exterior of the building and comes out one of the corners of the start of the crown. The top of One Liberty Place also has over 50 doors allowing for workers to climb onto the exterior of the skyscraper. Two Liberty Place is more mechanized when it comes to cleaning, as there is a BMU that travels on a rail on the top floor and each face has a gigantic mechanical glass door that folds open. The Comcast Technology Center also has a whopping four BMU’s, with the main one is on the roof, one in each cooling tower, and one at the top of the lantern.
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