57-story observation deck planned for Center City

A France-based company that operates observation decks in Paris, Berlin, and Chicago plans to open a viewing spot on the 57th floor of the 61-story One Liberty Place.

Montparnasse 56 said the attraction - its second in the United States - is scheduled to debut in the summer.

Mayor Nutter welcomed the project, saying in a statement: "We are a destination rich in history, culture and the arts. From the most historic square mile in the country to the expansive collection of art housed along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, the new observation deck by Montparnasse 56 will offer visitors a chance to see our changing skyline and tourism assets."

The city operates an observation deck atop City Hall's 500-foot tower, but the numbers of those allowed in are limited by its small size.

Montparnasse 56 is calling the One Liberty Place deck the city's first large-scale observatory.

No word yet on ticket prices.

Montparnasse 56 operates attractions atop the Tour Montparnasse in Paris and the Fernsehturm in Berlin, and Chicago 360 in the former John Hancock Building.