We admit, we’re not big Peco fans. Sure, they sell us the delicious electricity needed to run our air conditioners, refrigerators, and Playstations, but there’s just something about sending that check each and every month that keeps us from feeling all warm and fuzzy. On the other hand, Peco has one of the more iconic buildings in Center City at 2313 Market St., and the kind of newish LED sign still makes us ooh and ahh from time to time.

What you are probably not aware of is that, sitting on top of an eight-story portion of that building, is the largest green roof in the city of Philadelphia, measuring about 45,000 sqft. Created in 2008, in partnership with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society, this rooftop oasis insulates the building, while preventing 70% of stormwater runoff. And it looks cool from above, too.

Before. Photo from DVGBC.

And after. Again, photo from DVGBC.

Does this sound totally interesting and worth checking out? Well, we have good news and better news for you. The good news: PHS gives monthly tours of the Peco green roof. The better news: the next tour takes place in less than a week, on June 19th, at 5pm. And if you can’t make that tour, you’ll have your pick of the third Tuesday of every month from now until October.

You do have to book your spot in advance. To do so, you can email PHS or call Carol Dutill at 215-988-8869. It’s only $5 for PHS members, and $10 for non-members. And space is limited!

What are you waiting for?

Photo from PHS. Looks like you're right next to the Cira Center.