Independence Blue Cross has added external LED lighting to its headquarters at 1901 Market Street in Center City, enlivening the Philadelphia skyline in a bright, new way.

The lights, which can illuminate the building in 14 colors and various combinations, provide definition to 560 linear features on the building, which was constructed between 1987 and 1988. Lights will be viewable on all even levels of the building between the 10th and 36th floors.

“Our headquarters was one of the first of its kind to rise above City Hall, when a new skyline was being developed for Philadelphia,” said John Kalina, IBX’s Vice President of Administrative Services. “Now … we are excited to bring a vibrant and environmentally friendly solution to our exterior.”

Lighting the Skyline

In recent years prior to this most recent update, Independence lit the building’s entry and courtyard lights to highlight more than 50 health, holiday, and regional observances throughout the year. This includes recognition of:

• Black History and Hispanic Heritage months
• Alzheimer’s, Brain Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer awareness months
• National Gun Violence Awareness Day

With this new system, Independence will continue its collaboration with fellow community buildings and businesses and the Building Owners and Managers Association to illuminate the skyline to celebrate observances in a more visible way.

“As the hometown health insurer in Philadelphia, it’s fitting that the first night we lit the new lights in 2023 was when the Eagles dominated the Miami Dolphins in their classic Kelly-green uniforms,” said Kalina. “It’s a fun, community-facing way to show our support for our hometown teams while also recognizing significant observances throughout the year.”

Reinvesting in Its Headquarters

In 2020, Independence completed the purchase of its corporate headquarters at 1901 Market Street, building upon the organization’s ongoing commitment to the Greater Philadelphia region.

Over the years, Independence has reinvested in the building in numerous ways:

• Named the headquarters for former Independence CEO G. Fred DiBona Jr.
• Opened the Daniel J. Hilferty Center for Innovation
• Launched the Joseph A. Frick Training and Conference Center
• Expanded associate amenities, such as the cafeteria, fitness center, and lobby
• Modernized workspaces on all floors and updated building mechanicals and controls to improve overall efficiency.

Learn more about Independence Blue Cross and how it works to enhance the health and well-being of the people and communities it serves.