Kent County Courthouse Project, “Topping-Out” Ceremony

Friday, December 3, 2004

Capco Steel, of Providence Rhode Island, the steel fabricator and erector for the new Kent County Courthouse, had the “Topping-Out” ceremony today as the final piece of steel has been hoisted into position.  J. L. Marshall and Sons, Inc., the General Contractor for the project, has maintained the project schedule for the project with the efforts of their entire project team in which Capco Steel is a critical member of at this phase of the project.  Additionally, members of the design team representing HOK Architects and Odeh Engineers has significantly contributed to the success of the events of today.  This accomplishment now opens the door for other team members to move forward with the next phases of the project.

In regards to the Christmas tree, for the "Topping Out" ceremony many people ask “Why a Christmas Tree”?

(See photo below)

“No one seems to know exactly when or how it started, but the tradition of a ‘Topping Out’ has become a cherished custom of Ironworkers whenever the skeleton of a bridge or building is completed.  Topping Out is a signal that the uppermost steel member is going into place, that the structure has reached its height. As the final beam is hoisted, an evergreen tree or a flag or both are attached to it as it ascends….”  The significance and history of this custom is detailed in an article written by Scott L. Melnick found in a December 2000 article in “Modern Steel Erection”.  The article's full context can be accessed by using the following link.

“Why a Christmas Tree”

In conclusion to this event a big THANK YOU is in order for the entire team associated with project.

PLEASE TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE TOPPING-OUT BY USING THE FOLLOWING LINK OR CLICKING ON THE PHOTO BELOW…

TOPPING OUT