By Mark Belko, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
PNC Financial Services Group will build the world's "most environmentally friendly skyrise" Downtown to serve as its new, $400 million worldwide headquarters.
The bank announced plans for the building during a press conference this afternoon at the Fairmont Hotel.
The building will be about 40 stories high and will be called the Tower at PNC Plaza. PNC hopes to exceed the highest level of certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Gary Saulson, director of corporate real estate for PNC, said construction would begin next year and should be completed in mid 2015. The "skyrise," as Mr. Saulson dubbed it, will house about 3,000 employees.
"It's going to be extremely unique for the Pittsburgh skyline," he said.
PNC will move its corporate headquarters from One PNC Plaza to the new building and consolidate other employees, now housed elsewhere in the city, in One PNC.
Mr. Saulson said the building will have the latest environmental features and will be designed in such a way as to use a lot of natural light. He said PNC also is exploring the use of solar power.
The building will be erected on Wood Street, where the bank has acquired seven properties worth more than $18 million.
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