‘Topping out’ ceremony planned for new Physics Research Building

A little more than a year after breaking ground, the Department of Physics, project members, and the crew at Turner Construction will celebrate the traditional “topping out” of the new Physics Research Building. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at the construction site, located on Woodruff Avenue, between Neil and College Avenues. The four-story building, scheduled to open in 2004, will house the department’s administrative offices, conference space, and faculty offices, as well as 210 laboratory modules.

A tree, in this case a Buckeye, will be raised with part of the highest structural concrete pour by bucket and crane in order to signify that the full height of the building has been reached. “Topping out” dates back hundreds of years to Norse tradition, where custom held that an evergreen tree was placed at the last wood beam at the highest part of a building under construction to honor the “God of the Forest” and bring luck to the building and its inhabitants. Today’s tradition adds some patriotism and a chance to recognize the team that has raised the project to this significant point.

WHAT: “Topping out” ceremony for Physics Research Building

WHEN: 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31

WHERE: Construction site of Physics Research Building, 155 W. Woodruff Ave.

WHY: Traditional good luck event in the construction industry