Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

Feb 18, 2025

Green Lights, Big Win: Starlite’s Contribution to Philadelphia’s Celebration

When Philadelphia celebrates, the entire city shines—literally. As fans filled the streets in the wake of the city’s championship victory, two of its most iconic landmarks—City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art—stood illuminated in a brilliant green glow, serving as powerful symbols of the city’s pride and unity.

At Starlite, we understand that moments like these require flawless execution. With years of experience providing professional lighting, event technology, and systems integration, we take pride in delivering reliable solutions for high-stakes events where the whole city—and beyond—is watching.

City Hall: A Landmark Brought to Life

Starlite’s integration work at Philadelphia’s City Hall has transformed this historic landmark into a dynamic centerpiece for citywide celebrations. The new lighting system is powered by ReachElite fixtures by Color Kinetics, delivering vibrant, energy-efficient illumination. The system is controlled by an ETC Mosaic show controller, with control signals distributed across remote buildings. This uses a combination of Pathway Connectivity devices and City Theatrical Multiverse wireless DMX products. Additionally, Village Controls equipment enables remote access for programming, testing, and monitoring—allowing seamless adjustments for any occasion. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, City Hall can now be instantly transformed to reflect Philadelphia’s spirit, whether for a championship win, cultural celebration, or holiday event. But for this occasion, the historic landmark was draped in the iconic Kelly green.

“We were thrilled to be part of the celebration and help Philadelphia show some love for the team. The Philadelphia Museum of Art is such an iconic building, and being asked to highlight it was an honor. The feedback we received from all parties was really positive.”

Jason Danowitz

Vice President of Event Technology, Starlite

The Philadelphia Museum of Art: A Beacon of Victory

In preparation for a drone show to hype up one of the big games, Starlite’s event technology team provided lighting support for another one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This cultural icon served as a bacldrop and reflected the excitement of the moment. We used Chauvet Colorado Q40 panels, chosen for their powerful output, uniform coverage, and ease of use. Because this was a static installation, we could fine-tune the perfect shade of green on-board without the need for external control. Additionally, the fixtures’ IP65 rating ensured they withstood multiple instances of heavy rain and snow, making them an ideal solution for this high-profile outdoor installation.

Why Starlite?

While large-scale celebrations come with challenges, from technical complexities to tight timelines, Starlite’s expertise ensures that everything runs smoothly. We provide trusted support so event organizers, city officials, and the community can focus on celebrating—without worrying about the technical details.

For decades, Starlite has been at the forefront of event technology and integration, helping Philadelphia shine in its most important moments. From championship celebrations to major productions, we’re proud to offer the expertise and support that make unforgettable events possible.

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Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditroium Lighting Upgrade

Oct 23, 2024

Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditroium Lighting Upgrade

Collingswood Scottish Rite Project Background

The Excelsior Scottish Rite Temple, also known as the Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium, is a historic venue with roots tracing back to the early 20th century. Originally a mansion owned by notable figures such as Samuel French and later owned by Edward Collings Knight Sr., the property was purchased by the Excelsior Scottish Rite in 1930. Since 2003, it has been leased by the Borough of Collingswood and managed by the Collingswood Foundation for the Arts, hosting over a million guests in its classic venue for over 20 years.

Our relationship with the Scottish Rite Auditorium dates back to 2006 when Starlite upgraded their performance lighting control system to an ETC system. This long-standing partnership, coupled with our role as a rental resource for their productions and concerts, positioned us as the ideal partner for their house lighting upgrade project.

Project Challenges

The auditorium’s existing house lighting system was outdated and inefficient:

Incandescent lighting fixtures housed in glass reflectors were energy-intensive and costly to operate.

The old fixtures generated excessive heat, particularly problematic given their proximity to the historic stained glass ceiling.

The over 30-year-old Kliegl Brothers lighting control system was severely outdated.

Wall sconces throughout the theater used inefficient incandescent bulbs.

Starlite’s Solution

Starlite’s Systems Integration Team proposed and implemented a comprehensive lighting upgrade that included:

Down Lighting (House Lighting): Installed 57 new Light Source HL-series architectural LED down lights, replacing 326 incandescent fixtures.
Wall Sconces: Upgraded 12 sconces with ETC ArcLamps, transitioning from incandescent to LED technology.
Control System: Implemented a new ETC Paradigm lighting control system, including architectural lighting controls and an emergency lighting system.

Original fixtures above stained glass

New HL-series fixtures

Execution

The execution of this project was a complex undertaking that required careful planning, expert implementation, and close collaboration to navigate the unique challenges presented by the historic venue.

The project’s scope encompassed a comprehensive overhaul of the auditorium’s house lighting system. After demolition of the previous fixtures was completed, our team installed 57 new Light Source HL series architectural LED down lights, working with utmost care around and above the historic stained glass ceiling. Simultaneously, we integrated the new ETC Paradigm control system and emergency controls, replacing the outdated Kliegl Brothers system. The upgrade also extended to the theater’s decorative lighting, where we replaced the wall sconces and lamps with energy-efficient ETC ArcLamps, transitioning from incandescent to LED technology with advanced dim-to-warm functionality. This comprehensive approach ensured a complete modernization of the venue’s lighting infrastructure while preserving its historic charm.

The project’s execution was shaped by several significant challenges:

Limited Access: The historic catwalk and confined space above the antique stained glass windows posed considerable difficulties for our team during the installation of new lighting fixtures and support structures. This required innovative approaches and specialized equipment to ensure safe and effective work.

Electrical Constraints: The venue’s older electrical infrastructure, including dated wiring and conduits, necessitated careful planning and execution for new installations. Our team partnered closely with Chammings Electric Inc. (the venue’s electrical contractor) to find solutions that respected the building’s historical integrity while meeting modern electrical standards.

Delicate Work Environment: The presence of the antique stained glass ceiling demanded extraordinary care and precision. Our team implemented specialized protective measures and worked with heightened awareness to prevent any damage to these irreplaceable historical elements.

With a project having many difficulties ahead, Starlite made the entire process extremely easy to complete. Working in a space built in 1931 that hadn’t been upgraded since was a major feat. From the initial stages of design all the way through installation, the communication and customer service were incredible. Choosing fixtures that would provide the coverage and brightness we needed while shooting through the stained-glass ceiling was a challenge. The design team knocked it out of the park with their choice of fixtures. After seeing them in our theatre for a demo, we knew this was what we needed. Coming in right at, or even a little under, budget was a huge plus thanks to our sales rep, Bob Wolfe. Your installation team was nothing but professional and helpful during this process. Most of the time, they were working, and we didn’t even realize they were still in the building. Post-installation support for minor changes to programming and any questions has been amazing. We could not be happier with the overall product we received. Starlite will be our first call for any future lighting projects!

Joe Schramm

Production Manager , Scottish Rite Auditorium

Collaboration

To address these challenges and ensure the best possible outcome, Starlite collaborated closely with Brandon Creel of Hewshott, an independent theater consultancy. This partnership was crucial in developing a precise lighting design that not only worked within the venue’s architectural constraints but also met its functional and aesthetic needs. The collaborative approach allowed us to leverage combined expertise in historic venue renovations and cutting-edge lighting technology.

Throughout the execution phase, our team maintained open communication channels with the client, consultants, and other stakeholders. Joe Schramm (Production Manager) and Paula Lara (Executive Director) helped facilitate this project’s progression. This ensured that any unforeseen issues could be quickly addressed and that the project remained aligned with the client’s vision and the venue’s historical significance.

Despite the challenges, Starlite’s Systems Integration Team successfully completed the project, delivering a state-of-the-art lighting system that respects and enhances the venue’s historic character while providing significant improvements in functionality, energy efficiency, and control.

Light Source fixtures above stained glass

The Results

The lighting upgrade resulted in significant improvements:

Energy Efficiency: LED fixtures dramatically reduced power consumption and heat generation.
Enhanced Control: The new ETC Paradigm system provided modern, flexible lighting control options.
Improved Aesthetics: Updated house lighting and sconces enhanced the venue’s appearance while respecting its historic character.
Cost Savings: Reduced energy consumption and longer-lasting LED technology will result in long-term cost savings.

This project showcases Starlite’s ability to navigate complex, historically sensitive environments while delivering cutting-edge lighting solutions. By successfully upgrading the Collingswood Scottish Rite Auditorium’s house lighting system, we’ve not only improved the venue’s functionality and efficiency but also contributed to the preservation of a significant historical landmark.

The challenges faced and overcome during this project have further enhanced our team’s expertise, preparing us for future complex installations in historic venues.

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Illuminating a Landmark: Philadelphia City Hall Gets A Lighting Upgrade

Sep 3, 2024

Illuminating a Landmark: Philadelphia City Hall Gets A Lighting Upgrade

When the opportunity arose to collaborate on a Philadelphia lighting upgrade for the iconic City Hall, we eagerly accepted the challenge. Known for our expertise in integrating and programming exterior lighting systems, we were excited to bring a fresh, modern perspective to one of the most recognizable landmarks in the region.

City Hall Project Background

Philadelphia City Hall is more than just the largest municipal building in the United States; it’s a living testament to the city’s rich history and architectural prowess. Constructed in 1894, this Second Empire-style building is adorned with intricate sculptures and crowned by a 27-ton statue of William Penn. The building was illuminated for decades by conventional floodlights, which, while functional, did little to highlight its ornate details and grandeur.

With the advent of color-changing LED technology and a growing interest in enhancing the city’s nightscape, it was time to upgrade. The goal was to replace the outdated floodlights with a cutting-edge lighting system that could dynamically change the building’s appearance for holidays and events while being remotely controlled and easy to maintain.

Project Challenges

This Philadelphia lighting project presented several unique challenges. The lighting fixtures needed to be installed on ten separate buildings surrounding City Hall, each with its own access protocols and logistical hurdles. Additionally, the dense urban environment of Center City Philadelphia, with its high levels of RF spectrum usage and powerful cellular arrays, posed significant risks to the reliability of the wireless DMX transmission.

Because the lighting fixtures were installed on ten separate buildings surrounding City Hall, some privately held, the project timeline required detailed coordination among multiple parties. Our project partners did an exceptional job of arranging access protocols to allow our technicians to get up to the various rooftops as needed, but using the wireless and remote capabilities of the system was vital to the project’s success. To avoid spoiling the surprise of the new lighting for most residents, the programming sessions were scheduled to start late at night and go until early in the morning.

Starlite Philadelphia Lighting Solutions

Fixtures installed on a surrounding building

Starlite’s solution for the Philadelphia lighting upgrade centered around the City Theatrical Multiverse® Wireless DMX. This was chosen for its exceptional interference rejection and reliability in crowded RF environments. We began by establishing a network of transmitters on the roof of City Hall, carefully aligning antennas to ensure a robust connection to the receiving units on the surrounding buildings.

Throughout the installation, our team used advanced tools like the RadioScan Spectrum Analyzer to select the optimal frequency ranges and troubleshoot any issues with signal transmission. Thanks to the remote capabilities of the Multiverse system, we were able to minimize the need for physical access to the equipment. This kept the project on schedule and within budget.

Our integration process also included innovative problem-solving when unexpected challenges arose. For example, when cellular arrays interfered with signal transmission, we adapted by relocating transmitters and daisy-chaining signals across remote buildings. This flexibility allowed us to maintain a strong and uninterrupted connection, ensuring the system’s reliability.

The Results

The newly illuminated Philadelphia City Hall shows off its innovation and artistry in the heart of the city. Thousands of residents and visitors pass by this landmark daily. The dynamic lighting not only enhances its architectural beauty but also serves as a wayfinding tool.

Starlite is proud to have played a role in bringing this historic building into the modern age while preserving its legacy. Our collaboration with The Lighting Practice and other project partners has resulted in a truly transformative experience, showcasing the power of technology to elevate art and architecture to new heights.

Our team of creative, detail-oriented professionals has the technical artistry, credentials, and work ethic needed to transform your current audio, visual, and/or lighting needs—and to treat you more like a person than a project.

Check out Live Design’s Q&A with Sr. Project Manager Andrew Thompson

Partner with Starlite on your next professional lighting project.

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Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell

Apr 17, 2019

Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell

To welcome visitors to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Major League Baseball Philadelphia Phillies commissioned a special lighting project to vividly illuminate Philly’s historic and iconic Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell.

This Liberty Bell feature was originally located on the facade of the 400 level of Veterans Stadium until 1983 when it was moved to its permanent position in center field of the catwalk above the 700 level. Weighing more than 5,000 pounds and measuring 19 feet tall with over (300) light bulbs, the Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell inspired the larger 52-foot Liberty Bell that now sits in right-center field of Citizens Bank Park where it lights up and swings after Philadelphia Phillies home runs and wins.

Veterans Stadium, home to both the , Major League Baseball (MLB) Philadelphia Phillies and National Football League (NFL) Philadelphia Eagles from 1971-2003, was imploded in March 2004 and the steel and aluminum bell was almost forgotten about. It returned to the ballpark after being lovingly reworked by CIMA Network, and the Phillies organization sought to integrate control of the feature into their ballpark-wide lighting control system. The newly refurbished Veterans Stadium Liberty Bell now features (321) new color-changing LED light bulbs and outlined with a new color-changing neon stripe controlled in (290) 5” long segments. A great photo opportunity, the Bell can now be found outside the 3rd base entrance of Citizens Bank Park at Pattison Avenue and 11th Street, next to Mike Schmidt’s statue and the new Pass and Stow area.

Installation

ETC Mosaic MSC4 Show Controller
Networked DMX Gateway

Artistic Programming

(321) Color Kinetics iColor Flex LMX gen2 RGB Bulbs (Provided by CIMA)
1,450 linear feet of GLLS Vivid Pixel RGB Neon (Provided by CIMA)

Democratic National Convention

Jul 30, 2016

Democratic National Convention

To welcome the Democratic National Convention hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 25th to 28th, 2016, the city commissioned a special lighting project to vividly illuminate Philly’s two historic landmarks: 30th Street Station and City Hall.

To welcome the Democratic National Convention hosted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from July 25th to 28th, 2016, the city commissioned a special lighting project to vividly illuminate Philly’s two historic landmarks: 30th Street Station and City Hall.

Starlite and The Lighting Practice of Philadelphia had the honor of collaborating on this fun project. The lighting design for each landmark dictated a combination of powerful LED wash lights and long-throw profile units to project of various patriotic patterns and elements. Being both impactful and weatherproof were critical when specifying the equipment for the month-long project. After careful consideration, Starlite’s VP of Event Technology: Jason Danowitz, chose SGM‘s P5 high-performance outdoor LED wash units, and Clay Paky’s Mythos fixtures housed in Igloo enclosures as the real workhorses of the design.

Supplying power to 30th Street Station’s glowing display was no easy feat. It required boring multiple 48″ deep holes into the roadway to reach the power source. The 30th Street Station design also featured an interior lighting package to illuminate the east and west windows using dozens of Elation‘s Color Chorus linear RGBA fixtures and an ETC Ion console.

For City Hall and the Avenue of the Arts’ architectural system, MA Lighting International GmbH’s full-size grandMA2 with an NPU processor was the console of choice. City Hall had its own challenges — the wireless DMX transceivers were almost a half-mile from the control room to the receiving point at City Hall. Starlite was able to take control of the existing architectural LED lighting system which runs along the Avenue of the Arts to coordinate the lighting looks and sequences with City Hall. The interconnected lighting systems created a beautiful radiant sight of red, white and blue down South Broad Street.

The lighting displays were widely praised by the media and captivated DNC attendees, visitors, and natives alike.