PNC Center (Cleveland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids PNC Center |
|
|---|---|
PNC Center in Cleveland, Ohio
|
|
| Former names | National City Center |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Skyscraper |
| Architectural style | Modernism |
| Classification | Office building |
| Location | Nine-Twelve District |
| Address | 1900 East 9th Street |
| Town or city | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 41°30′02.1″N 81°41′16.1″W / 41.500583°N 81.687806°W |
| Named for | PNC Financial Services |
| Construction started | 1978 |
| Completed | 1980 |
| Cost | $60 million |
| Height | |
| Architectural | 410.10 feet (125.00 m) |
| Tip | 410.10 feet (125.00 m) |
| Roof | 410.10 feet (125.00 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 38 (35 above and 3 below) |
| Lifts/elevators | 10 |
| Grounds | 492,664 square feet (45,770.0 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill |
| Developer | Oliver Tyrone Corp. |
| Structural engineer | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill |
| Main contractor | Turner Construction |
| Other information | |
| Parking | 650-spot underground parking garage |
The PNC Center is a tall building called a skyscraper in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. It stands at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street. This building has 35 floors above ground and reaches a height of 410 feet (about 125 meters).
It was designed by a famous architecture firm named Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. The building was completed in 1980. It used to be the main office for a company called National City Corporation. Now, it holds the Cleveland offices for PNC Financial Services.
Contents
History of the PNC Center
Why the Building Was Built
Back in 1975, National City Bank had its offices spread out all over downtown Cleveland. The bank almost moved its main operations to a different area outside the city. However, they decided to stay in downtown Cleveland.
In 1977, National City announced they would build a new main office in downtown Cleveland. The project was expected to cost $50 million. They used a new way to help pay for it called "tax abatement."
What is Tax Abatement?
Tax abatement is a special way to help new buildings get built. It means that for a certain time, the property taxes on the new building are reduced or even removed. This helps companies save money and encourages them to build in certain areas.
This idea started in New York City in 1975 to help the city grow. In 1976, Cleveland's Mayor Ralph Perk brought this idea to Cleveland. In 1977, National City Bank was the very first company in Cleveland to use tax abatement for their building project.
Building the Skyscraper
The spot where the PNC Center stands today used to have other buildings. There was an old clothing store complex built in the 1940s, and before that, the Hickox Building from the 1800s. These older buildings were taken down in 1978 to make way for the new tower.
The PNC Center was built using a lot of strong concrete. It became the tallest building in Cleveland made with reinforced concrete. Workers would pour one floor of concrete each week and then lift it up.
The outside of the building is covered in white Travertine Marble. During the day, the building looks bright and white. At night, special lights shine on it. In October, the building glows pink to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is because PNC Financial Services helps fund research for breast cancer.
Life in the Building
When the tower opened in 1980, National City Bank used most of the space. Other companies also moved in, including KPMG and several law firms like Baker Hostetler.
Outside the building, there is a cool moving sculpture by George Rickey. It's called Triple L Excentric Gyratory III.
In August 2009, the name on top of the building changed. PNC Financial Services put up its own sign. This happened after PNC bought National City Bank in late 2008.
See also
