PPG Place

The postmodern buildings were designed by the renowned architects Philip Johnson & John Burgee and built between 1981 and 1984 as the headquarters of PPG Industries, at the time known as Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company.

Philip Johnson's design was partly influenced by Pittsburgh's gothic Cathedral of Learning and the Allegheny Courthouse, but it more resembles a modern version of the Victoria Tower in London.
The gothic-inspired form of the towers, and in particular the 231 pinnacles crowning the buildings contrast with the modern materials used. The building's walls consist of a reflective 'glass curtain' with a white aluminum framing. Its distinctive shape and reflective walls make the PPG Tower stand out in the Pittsburgh skyline, also at night when the pinnacles are illuminated.

PPG place features a large plaza with a central obelisk. The plaza used to be rather desolate and unattractive but in 2003 trees, tables, chairs, and a water feature with jets were added, turning the area into a more attractive and people-friendly place. During wintertime the plaza is turned in an ice rink.