An Icon in the Heart of Downtown

The Electric City Sign stands atop the eight-story Scranton Electric Building at 507 Linden Street, between Adams Avenue and North Washington Avenue. Its central Downtown Scranton location makes it easy to include in a day of exploring nearby restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Design and History of the Sign

The Electric City Sign made its dazzling debut in 1916, replacing the building’s earlier rooftop sign, “Watch Scranton Grow,” which topped what was then known as the Scranton Board of Trade Building. The new sign marked a symbolic shift, celebrating Scranton’s growing identity as "The Electric City." Local Baptist minister Reverend David Spencer is credited with coining the nickname.

In 1926, the building was sold to the Scranton Electric Company, a name still closely associated with the structure. This luminous emblem proudly declared Scranton's status as one of the first electrified cities in the United States. Electric lights were first introduced in the city in 1880 at the Dickson Manufacturing Company, and by 1886, Scranton became the first city in the U.S. to successfully operate streetcars powered solely by electricity—cementing its legacy in American industrial innovation and earning its nickname as “The Electric City.”

The original sign featured 1,200 40-watt filament incandescent bulbs, which displayed circles of red and green, a flame of red and amber, and letters, rays, and sconces of white. The sign was later turned off in the mid-20th century and remained unlit for several decades. In 2004, the sign was brought back to life with new all-white 11-watt bulbs; however, many of those burned out prematurely within a decade. A more lasting restoration came in 2014, when one-watt LED bulbs were installed, replicating the sign’s original 1930s color scheme. The restoration was made possible by a fundraising campaign led by La Festa Italiana, a local Italian-American cultural organization. The sign continues to shine brightly with those same LEDs today.

In 2022, the historic building entered a new chapter when it was purchased by Fidelity Bank to serve as its corporate headquarters —and each evening, the iconic Electric City Sign continues to illuminate the Scranton skyline.

A Highlight of The Office Tour

Fans of The Office will instantly recognize the Electric City Sign from Michael and Dwight's unforgettable "Lazy Scranton" rap. Today, it's one of the featured stops on The Office Self-Guided Tour of Scranton, PA, drawing visitors from around the world to see one of the show's most recognizable Scranton locations.

Make the Most of Your Visit

While visiting the sign, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Scranton, known for its walkable streets, colorful murals, and historic architecture. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like the Lackawanna County Courthouse Square, Steamtown National Historic Site, and the Electric City Trolley Station & Museum—all within walking distance.

Grab a bite at one of the many local restaurants and cafes, or take in a concert or show at The Ritz Theater or the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple. The Electric City Sign is a glowing highlight of Scranton’s rich heritage and welcoming spirit, offering a memorable view for visitors and locals alike.

An NEPA Experience Worth Seeing

The Electric City Sign brings together several of the things that make Scranton unique. It reflects the area's industrial heritage, gained national recognition through The Office, and stands in the heart of Downtown Scranton, steps from restaurants, shops, and other attractions. It's a memorable stop for first-time visitors and a familiar sight for locals returning downtown.