Upgrades have been completed to the lighting array atop the PECO Building at 2301 Market Street in Center City West, restoring the lively skyline fixture to operation. Designed by H2L2 (Harbeson, Hough, Livingston & Larson), the building was completed in 1970, and was soon followed by a number of major high-rise developments in Center City. The tower rises to a total of 27 stories and 384 feet, and though it does not feature a remarkable architectural design, it is widely known for its 38-foot-tall marquee display surrounding its crown. Measuring 148 feet across on the north and south façades and 71 feet across the east and west faces, the display has scrolled more than 17,500 digital messages over the decades.
PECO Building with the Center City towers. Photo by Thomas Koloski
Original lights on PECO Building in Rocky V via United Artists
The lights were first switched on for the United States Bicentennial on July 4, 1976. The marquee originally glowed a golden hue, composed of a matrix of large light bulbs. This configuration lasted until a renovation in 2009 that saw the display out of commission from midnight on January 1 until July 4, when the new LED-based, computer-controlled system debuted.
PECO Building from Spring Garden Street Bridge with the new display. Photo by Thomas Koloski
The new system features brighter, higher resolution LED modules that enable the display to cut through ambient light and resolve more colors.
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It took 54 years to build this office building from 1916-1970.
It was the closet skyscraper to 30th Street Station at the time.
I hate the PECO building.