kids encyclopedia robot

PPL Building facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
PPL Building
2007 - PPL Building.jpg
Alternative names Pennsylvania Power and Light Building
General information
Status Complete
Type Commercial offices
Architectural style Art Deco / Art Moderne
Location 2 North 9th Street
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Coordinates 40°36′05″N 75°28′33″W / 40.6014°N 75.4758°W / 40.6014; -75.4758
Construction started 1926
Completed 1928
Height
Roof 98.02 m (321.6 ft)
Technical details
Floor count 24
Floor area 19,094 m2 (205,530 sq ft)
Lifts/elevators 6
Design and construction
Architect Helmle, Corbett & Harrison

The PPL Building is a very tall office building in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It has 24 floors and stands about 98 m (322 ft) (320 feet) high. This makes it the tallest building in Allentown. It is also the tallest building in the Lehigh Valley area. The building is the main office for PPL Corporation. This company provides electricity to homes and businesses in the Lehigh Valley.

The PPL Building looks special at night. It is often lit up with unique lights. During the Christmas season, you might see a giant candle on one side. A Christmas tree can be seen on the other side. In the 1960s, the building helped a local charity. Its bright windows spelled out "U.F." This reminded people to give to the United Fund.

History of the PPL Building

The PPL Building was built a long time ago. Construction started in 1926 and finished in 1928. It was built by Pennsylvania Power & Light. This company later became PPL Corporation. The building has been their main office ever since.

Who Designed This Skyscraper?

A famous architect named Harvey Wiley Corbett designed the building. He was known for designing skyscrapers. He also helped design New York's Rockefeller Center. The outside of the building has cool sculptures. These were made by Alexander Archipenko.

A Building of Firsts

In 1930, the PPL Building was called very special. Encyclopædia Britannica said it was a great example of a modern office building. It also had the fastest elevator in the world at that time!

PPL Building in Movies

The building has even been in a movie! You can see the outside of the PPL Building. It was shown in the film Executive Suite.

kids search engine
PPL Building Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.