I Love Union City Metal Letters: A Monument to Community and Craftsmanship

Public art has the power to shape spaces, inspire communities, and become a symbol of civic pride.  In Union City, a monumental installation titled “I ♥ UC” stands as a confirmation to the city’s vibrant spirit and the people who call it home.  These massive metal letters, built with precision and artistic vision, are more than just a decorative feature—they are a symbol of identity, belonging, and the shared love for Union City.

The “I ♥ UC” installation is a stunning work of craftsmanship, towering over passersby at 72 inches tall, 12 inches deep, and constructed from 12-gauge hot-rolled steel.  The letters are an embodiment of strength, stability, and durability—qualities that reflect the enduring connection between Union City and its residents.  But how do such monumental pieces come to life?  What goes into the design, fabrication, and installation of these metal letters?  This blog will dive deep into the creative and technical process behind the “I ♥ UC” metal letters, highlighting how this iconic structure was built to stand the test of time and inspire future generations.

The Design Process: From Concept to Reality

Before any construction begins, the first step in creating a public art piece like the “I ♥ UC” metal letters is conceptualization and design.  Public art installations require a careful balance of aesthetic appeal, structural integrity, and practical considerations.  In this case, the letters were designed to capture the affection Union City’s residents feel for their community while creating a striking visual impact.

The font used for the letters is American Typewriter, a choice that adds both charm and a sense of timelessness to the design.  American Typewriter’s bold, rounded edges and retro appeal evoke a sense of nostalgia, while its clean lines ensure legibility from a distance.  This makes the letters both approachable and iconic, capturing the essence of Union City—a community that embraces its heritage while looking to the future.

The heart symbol at the center of “I ♥ UC” is the perfect embodiment of warmth and connection, emphasizing the emotional bond between the city and its residents.  By placing the heart between “I” and “UC,” the design sends a clear and simple message: this is a place people love and are proud to be a part of.

Once the design concept was finalized, engineers and designers collaborated to ensure that the structure would be both visually stunning and structurally sound.  The design had to account for factors such as weight distribution, stability, and weather resistance, particularly given that the letters would be installed outdoors, exposed to the elements year-round.

Materials: Strength and Durability with Hot-Rolled Steel

One of the key components of the “I ♥ UC” installation is its material—12-gauge hot-rolled steel.  This choice of metal wasn’t made lightly; it was selected for its balance of durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal.  The steel is approximately 1/8 inch thick, weighing about 4.38 pounds per square foot, which provides the perfect balance between heft and maneuverability during construction.

Hot-rolled steel is particularly well-suited for large-scale outdoor installations because of its toughness and resistance to wear.  The process of hot rolling steel involves heating the metal to high temperatures and passing it through rollers, which forms the metal into sheets.  This process results in a strong, durable material that can withstand heavy use and exposure to environmental elements like rain, wind, and sunlight.

Moreover, hot-rolled steel has a distinct texture that gives the “I ♥ UC” letters a raw, industrial look, which contrasts beautifully with the clean, polished lines of the American Typewriter font.  The natural finish of the steel enhances the aesthetic of the installation, giving it an authentic, modern, and urban feel—an ideal match for Union City’s evolving landscape.

To ensure that the letters would stand up to long-term exposure without corroding or degrading, the steel was covered with polyurea, a versatile and extremely durable protective coating.  Polyurea provides a robust layer of protection against rust, moisture, and UV damage, ensuring that the letters will maintain their structural integrity and visual appeal for years to come.

Once the polyurea coating was applied, the letters were painted to give them a bold, vibrant finish.  The color choice plays an essential role in ensuring that the installation captures attention, whether viewed up close or from a distance.  The paint also adds another layer of protection, ensuring that the letters retain their pristine appearance, no matter what the weather throws at them.

Construction and Assembly: Building the Iconic Structure

Constructing the “I ♥ UC” letters was no simple task.  At 72 inches tall and 12 inches deep, the letters needed to be carefully fabricated and assembled to ensure stability and safety.  The construction began by cutting and shaping the steel sheets according to the American Typewriter font’s dimensions.  Each piece had to be precisely measured and cut to maintain the proportions and legibility of the letters, even when viewed from afar.

The individual pieces of steel were then welded together to create the three-dimensional structure of the letters.  The “I” and the heart were carefully stacked and welded on top of the “UC,” adding depth and dimension to the installation.  This stacking effect gives the letters a dynamic, multi-layered appearance, making the installation more visually engaging and creating a sense of movement and energy.

To ensure that the letters were structurally sound and wouldn’t topple over, a sturdy metal base was designed to support the weight of the installation.  The base itself is a 6-inch tall metal box, which provides a solid foundation for the letters.  Brackets were welded to the bottom of the letters and then connected to the base, ensuring that each component was securely attached.  These brackets also serve to connect the entire installation to the concrete slab, anchoring the structure firmly in place.

The installation process required careful coordination between designers, engineers, and fabricators to ensure that every component was aligned and properly secured.  Welding, in particular, was a crucial step in the assembly process.  Skilled welders worked meticulously to join the steel sheets together, creating strong, seamless connections that would withstand both the weight of the structure and external forces like wind.

Installation: Bringing “I ♥ UC” to the Community

Once the “I ♥ UC” letters were fully constructed and the finishing touches were applied, the next step was transporting the installation to its final location and anchoring it securely.  Public art installations like this require precise planning and logistics to ensure a smooth and safe installation process.

Because of the size and weight of the letters, heavy-duty equipment like cranes or forklifts was likely used to transport the pieces and position them onto the base.  This process involved lifting the assembled letters, aligning them perfectly with the base, and welding or bolting them into place.

Once the installation was completed, the “I ♥ UC” letters became a permanent fixture in Union City’s landscape.  But this isn’t just a static sculpture—it’s a piece of public art that invites interaction.  Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to engage with the installation, taking photos, standing next to it, and celebrating their connection to Union City.

A Symbol of Civic Pride and Community Engagement

The “I ♥ UC” letters are more than just a decorative element—they serve as a symbol of civic pride and community engagement.  Public art has the unique ability to foster a sense of identity and belonging, and the “I ♥ UC” installation is no exception.  By placing a universally recognizable symbol of affection—the heart—at the center of the installation, the artwork conveys a powerful message of love and pride in one’s community.

The installation is designed to be approachable and interactive, inviting people to pose with it, take photos, and share their experiences.  In today’s social media-driven world, installations like “I ♥ UC” quickly become viral sensations, with residents and visitors sharing their photos online and spreading the love for Union City across platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

The letters have become a landmark within the city, a place where people gather, celebrate, and express their connection to their community.  Whether it’s a family taking a group photo, a couple posing for a romantic snapshot, or a group of friends sharing a laugh, the “I ♥ UC” installation has become a backdrop for countless memories and moments of connection.

Moreover, public art installations like this one contribute to the cultural and aesthetic fabric of a city, enhancing its public spaces and making them more vibrant and engaging.  The “I ♥ UC” letters create a sense of place, serving as a visual anchor that unites the community and symbolizes the shared love for Union City.

Long-Lasting Impact: Durability and Legacy

One of the key considerations when designing and constructing public art installations is durability.  The “I ♥ UC” letters were built to last, with materials and finishes carefully chosen to withstand the test of time.  The use of hot-rolled steel and polyurea coating ensures that the installation is resistant to weather, corrosion, and the general wear and tear that comes with being in a public space.

The polyurea coating, in particular, adds an extra layer of protection against environmental factors like rain, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations.  This durable coating ensures that the letters maintain their pristine appearance for years to come, without the need for frequent repairs or maintenance.

By investing in high-quality materials and construction techniques, the creators of the “I ♥ UC” installation have ensured that it will remain a symbol of Union City’s spirit and pride for generations.  This long-lasting impact is a confirmation to the power of public art to enrich communities, create shared experiences, and leave a lasting legacy.

Conclusion: The Power of Public Art and Craftsmanship

The “I ♥ UC” metal letters are a shining example of how public art can transform a space, foster community pride, and create lasting memories.  From the careful design and engineering process to the expert craftsmanship that went into constructing the letters, every aspect of the installation reflects a deep commitment to quality, durability, and artistic expression.

Standing 72 inches tall, crafted from hot-rolled steel, and protected with polyurea coating, the “I ♥ UC” letters are built to withstand the test of time while serving as a symbol of Union City’s love and unity.  This installation is more than just a sculpture—it’s a celebration of the community and its people, a landmark that will continue to inspire and connect residents and visitors alike for years to come.

In the end, the “I ♥ UC” letters are a reminder that public art is not just about aesthetics—it’s about creating spaces that bring people together, evoke emotion, and tell the story of a place and its people.  And in Union City, that story is one of love, pride, and a deep connection to the community.