UPMC to take Second Shot at Hanging Letters

If you gaze up at the top of the U.S. Steel tower in downtown Pittsburgh, you may notice something "M"issing. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's (UPMC) hanging of their signature letters was postponed in early May due to inclement weather leaving the letters U, P, and C, at the top of the 64-story building and the "M" grounded. The first 3 of the 4 letters, which weigh between 2,000 to 3,000 pounds each, were successfully attached to the top of the tower via helicopter. Winds and rain kept the "M" on the ground where it has remained in storage. UPMC will try to hang the "M" again this weekend. Spokesman Paul Wood says that as long as the weather remains nice, it will be put up. Workers saved the "M" for last because it is the letter with the largest surface area and the letter most affected by wind. The project will eventually have the letters "UPMC" hanging from the top of all three sides of the U.S. Steel tower. UPMC leases about one-fifth of the building.