PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Lightning lit up the night sky over Philadelphia on Wednesday, but City Hall was aglow for an entirely different reason. Dozens of people in LOVE Park got the first look at the culmination of a project two years in the making.
Just after 9:30 p.m., with the stone hulk of Second Empire architecture dimly lit across the street behind them, officials gathered around an oversize light switch, standing nearly 6 feet tall, at the corner of 15th Street and JFK Boulevard. After a countdown … 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 … they hit the switch — and it was showtime.
For two minutes, the colors of the rainbow danced along all four sides of City Hall in animated illumination, just a taste of what the building's new $6.8 million lighting system can do.
"I think it's gonna just bring some joy to people who come to the city for the first time. Or just walking around having fun. I think it's really good," said Lea, who took in the view from across the street and snapped pictures with a friend.
The lights, in fact, have two purposes for passersby, says Paul Levy, Center City District’s board chair, who spearheaded the project.
“They see lighting as a form of animation, but it also enhances public safety."
The project was paid for with money from the state, the city and Center City District.
"This is the very dead center of the city, and it ought to really be shown off in all its glory," Levy said.
The new light system is powered by 222 LED fixtures on 10 neighboring buildings, and City Hall will keep them on until 11 p.m. every day. Levy says white will be the main color used, but the city should expect to see more seasonal palettes on special occasions. Take, for instance, the Fourth of July.
"There's a balancing act here,” said Levy. “This is a national historic landmark, and you need to treat it on one level with respect. On the other hand, next week, when this is red, white and blue, it will be appropriate. When the Phillies win the World Series, that needs to be red."