by KYW's Mike Dunn
Philadelphia's zoning board on Tuesday unanimously rejected a request by Unisys Corporation for a corporate logo on one of the skyline's most recognizable buildings (see previous story).
Unisys, of Blue Bell, Pa., had requested a zoning variance so it could put its name about midway up on two facades of Two Liberty Place in center city Philadelphia.
Unisys has been planning to move its corporate headquarters into that building, renting about two floors.
Condominium residents and other tenants in the building had been battling the Unisys plan, expressing opposition during three long zoning board hearings, the last of which concluded shortly before the board took its vote.
After about one-half hour in private session, the board emerged to announce that it had voted 5-0 to reject Unisys' request for the 16-foot-high sign.
Sal Mancini, project director for the Liberty Place condos, was thrilled that the board did so despite the support for Unisys by Mayor Nutter:
"This is a wonderful day for Philadelphia. The zoning board exemplified total professionalism in the decision they made. Under the city's presssure to do something wrong, they acted accordingly, and I give them all the credit in the world, they're terrific."
Unisys spokesman Jim Kerr is not sure what's next for the firm:
"We understand the opinions expressed, and we'll just going to explore our options, what we're going to do at this point."
Mayor Nutter says he'll continue to meet with Unisys officials to convince them to move their headquarters to center city, even without the sign. And Rick Goldstein, attorney for the condo owners who battled Unisys, hopes the company moves here anyway:
"We'd love to have them here -- without their sign."
(Artist's rendering from Unisys Corp.)
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