Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services Group took advantage of the annual meeting of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Tuesday to announce that it would be using its newest building as the latest "PNC Legacy Project" sight. PNC is in the process of renovating the structure at the corner of Liberty Ave and Market St.
The building, which once housed a Liberty Travel Agency, might be best known for being topped by a pair of seemingly oversized billboards including one announcing the size of the current lottery jackpot. "It was an eyesore," said PNC CEO Jim Rohr.
The building will host an interactive multimedia exhibit showcasing Pittsburgh's transformation and reflecting on PNC's involvement in the region. Similar displays in Washington DC, Baltimore, Cleveland, and central Pennsylvania reflect on the history of the regional banks acquired by PNC. The one in Washington includes a check signed by George Washington.
In Pittsburgh "there will be an oral history exhibit where business, community, and cultural leaders share their experiences of what makes Pittsburgh a great city," said Rohr.
The exhibit is also to include a "Pittsburgh Then and Now" section and a timeline of Pittsburgh's transformation in the areas of culture, commerce and community. It will employ six touch screens that visitors can tap to access related images, audio and video.
PNC hopes to get LEED certification for the new building, which will be free and open to the public. The goal is to have the building open by May.