New Building Reaches New Heights with "Topping Out" Ceremony

October 31, 2001- What do you get when you cross a group of construction workers, an evergreen tree, an American flag, and the Simmons Shark? The "topping out” ceremony for the new building on Palace Road, of course.

On the morning of October 31, a group of iron workers and members of the Simmons community watched as the crane lifted the final, uppermost steel beam—with a tree and flag attached—to the top of the new building’s frame.

As the Simmons Shark waved to the crowd of onlookers from a lower level, President Cheever acknowledged the hard work of everyone involved in the project and expressed his appreciation to Director of Facilities Tom Martin; Lisa Chapnick, vice president of administration and planning; construction company Lee Kennedy; and architects Goody, Clancy & Associates.

Topping out is an iron workers tradition in which an evergreen tree and/or an American flag is hoisted to the top of the structure— along with the final, uppermost steel beam — to signal that the structure has reached its height. It is believed that this custom goes back to the days of Vikings. Why an evergreen tree? In some cases, it symbolizes that the building went up without a loss of life. For others, it’s a good luck charm for future occupants. Many believe the American flag was chosen to symbolize patriotism and the American dream.

Upon completion in summer 2002, the four-story building will house the GSSW, and the GSLIS, as well as the Technology Resource Center, Academic Support Center, and the Career Resource Library. There also will be three levels of underground parking.

 

 

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