Welton Becket designed 500 West Jefferson, the 31-story tower that older residents still call PNC Plaza, completed in 1971. This 31-story, 420-foot (128 m) tower was designed by architect Welton Becket and completed in 1971, the year it briefly held the title of Kentucky’s tallest building. It began life as Citizens Fidelity Plaza, named for Citizens Fidelity Bank, and later took the PNC Plaza name when Citizens Fidelity was acquired by Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank.
In 1972 it lost the state height crown to National City Tower; PNC today has offices in both towers due to its acquisition of National City Corp, though it does not own National City Tower. Ownership of this building has changed over the years — it was previously owned by PNC Bank and is currently owned by SomeraRoad Inc., and at one point the building was purchased by Optima International. For decades the Jefferson Club sat on the top floor until it closed in February 2010.
Notice the distinctive pattern of pre-cast concrete panels framing the windows here in Downtown Louisville.