Greenlights Abound

This is a historic year to be sure. The Phillies made it to the World Series. The Eagles are in the Super Bowl. And we hope against hope that the Sixers won’t be a 2nd round exit this year. The air is just a little bit warmer, and the city is starting to awaken from slumber (I would call it hibernation, but we only got half an inch of snow and that’s a-okay with me).

Make no mistake, I wouldn’t get so optimistic as to predict the triple entendre or that Joel will be the league MVP this year, but I think it’s safe to say that everyone is feeling a little optimistic. What I enjoy though is that the city knows how to include even it’s least sportsy fans and just turn it into a party. Or maybe that’s just how I rationalize having a Flyers jersey without knowing anybody on the team.

Interestingly, after a nice dinner, a drink, or even a late night stroll you can look up and see something cool. Almost no matter where you are, you can see a shimmering green across the skyline. It’s just one way the city invites you to participate. Older residents have known this for quite some time, it’s nothing new!  They might say the lights on broad st might shift and the PSFS sign goes from red to green. They aren’t wrong, but they aren’t entirely correct either.

I’ve noticed that as newer, more premium buildings go up they tend to join this exclusive club:

Older Buildings:

One Liberty Place

Two Liberty Place

BNY Mellon Center

Loew’s Hotel

The Hilton on the Delaware 

Newer Buildings:

Arthaus Condos

The Laurel

(I’m sure this isn’t a complete list, almost inevitably I have missed something in West Philly, the Peco building, etc.)  

It’s a testament to how unique Philadelphia is, how local it feels. If nothing else I find it to be an endearing little widget in this unfolding sports saga.

-Austin Church