A Little History…

The US Steel Building

The US Steel Tower, an iconic skyscraper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, stands as a testament to the city’s industrial heritage and architectural innovation. Completed in 1970, the building was designed by Harrison & Abramovitz, a prominent New York architectural firm. At 841 feet tall, it is the tallest structure in Pittsburgh, and at the time of its completion,  it was the 8th tallest building in the world. The construction of the tower utilized an unprecedented 44,000 tons of steel, much of it supplied by the United States Steel Corporation, which was the building's primary occupant and namesake. The US Steel Tower is notable for its distinctive triangular shape with inverted corners and its innovative use of Cor-Ten steel, which forms a rust-like appearance over time, giving the building its unique reddish-brown facade. This design choice not only provides a striking aesthetic but also reduces the need for painting and maintenance. Over the decades, the US Steel Tower has become a defining feature of Pittsburgh’s skyline and a symbol of the city's resilience and transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a hub of innovation and culture. The US Steel Tower’s roof holds the title of the largest-highest space in the world.  It is just over an acre in size!

The Heliport

The US Steel Tower in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is distinguished not only by its impressive height and architectural significance but also by the presence of a heliport on its roof. This rooftop heliport, perched at 841 feet above the city, was incorporated into the building's design to facilitate swift and efficient air travel for corporate executives and VIPs of US Steel Co., reflecting the forward-thinking vision of the 1970s. It allowed for convenient access to the skyscraper, bypassing the congestion of city streets below. Although not in use today, the heliport remains a notable feature, underscoring the building's multifaceted design and its role as a hub of business activity. Large enough for up to three helicopters to be perched on the roof at the same time, the presence of the heliport also symbolizes the era's ambition and the technological advances that were being integrated into urban infrastructure, marking the US Steel Tower as a modern marvel of its time.

The Top of the Triangle restaurant, once a premier dining destination in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was located on the 62nd floor of the US Steel Tower. Opened in 1970, the same year the tower was completed, the restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Pittsburgh skyline and surrounding areas. Designed to offer an upscale dining experience, it featured a sophisticated menu and elegant decor that attracted both locals and visitors alike - the views while dining were unmatched. The restaurant's location within the tallest building in the city added to its allure, making it a popular venue for special occasions and corporate events. Despite its initial success and iconic status, the Top of the Triangle closed in 2001. While it no longer operates, the legacy of the Top of the Triangle remains a cherished memory for those who experienced its unique ambiance and stunning vistas, symbolizing an era of Pittsburgh's social and cultural life.