PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The KDKA-TV Weather Beacon Atop the Gulf Tower is now up and running.

It’s a new, hi-tech version of the weather beacon that the building was known for before the energy crisis of the 1970′s prompted its owners to turn it off.

The new version uses energy-efficient LED lights which will show current weather conditions, but it debuted with a patriotic display for the Independence Day holiday.

Alfonso Roberts IV, 11, who is involved with the Make-A-Wish program, pressed the button to start the lights. He gave his approval, saying he thought the lights looked like a rainbow.

Inez Willmer from Oakmont said she remembers the old beacon and thinks her kids will enjoy looking at the new one.

The award-winning team of Cindy Lamauro and Chris Popowich are responsible for the beacon’s lighting design.

The beacon will begin displaying the current weather conditions Thursday evening.

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