K&L Gates Center facts for kids

K&L Gates Center
The K&L Gates Center with its current sign
General information
Type	Office
Location	210 6th Avenue Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Coordinates	40°26′31″N 80°00′00″W / 40.4420°N 80°W / 40.4420; -80
Completed	1968
Owner	Kojaian Cos
Height
Roof	511 ft (156 m)
Technical details
Floor count	39
Floor area	617,000 ft (188,000 m)
Lifts/elevators	16 passenger 1 freight
Design and construction
Architect	William Lescaze and Associates

The K&L Gates Center is a very tall office building in Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was finished in 1968. This building has 39 floors and stands 511 feet (about 156 meters) high. It is a well-known part of the Pittsburgh skyline.

A Building with Many Names

This building has had a few different names over the years. When it was first built, it was called One Oliver Plaza. Later, it was briefly known as FreeMarkets Center and then Ariba Center.

The building when it was known as the Ariba Center

In 2007, a big international law firm named K&L Gates decided to move into the building. They planned to become the largest tenant by 2010. Because of this, the building's name was changed to the K&L Gates Center. This also led to some big changes inside and outside the building.

Modern Updates and Art

Starting in 2009, the building got a major makeover. The main entrance (lobby) was updated. The outside walls of the first two floors were also changed. The areas around the building were improved too.

The K&L Gates sign was put at the very top of the building, replacing the old Ariba sign. K&L Gates also decided to remove a sculpture from the lobby. This artwork, a large metal mural by Virgil Cantini, was given to the University of Pittsburgh.

The newly updated lobby opened in February 2010. By March 2010, K&L Gates was officially the building's biggest tenant. They helped pay for the new name and all the cool updates to the lobby and outside areas.

Special Light Art

The K&L Gates Center has some unique artwork. There is a new, bright entrance that connects the building to the street. Inside, you can see five "Light Columns" created by an artist named Cerith Wyn Evans. These columns light up both the inside space and the plaza outside.

Near the front desk, there is another neon wall sculpture. It's called "Mobius Strip" and was also made by Wyn Evans. This artist often uses light in his art. These special pieces were made just for the K&L Gates Center.

Where is the Building Located?

The K&L Gates Center is located where Liberty Avenue, Sixth Avenue, and Wood Street meet. It is right across the street from the EQT Plaza tower.

It shares a city block with other buildings like One PNC Plaza, Two PNC Plaza, and Three PNC Plaza. This large block was created when part of Oliver Avenue was closed in the late 1960s. A subway station, Wood Street Station, is also very close to the building. This station is part of Pittsburgh's light rail network.