John Rebchook is a former Rocky Mountain News reporter with more than 30 years of experience in writing and communications... The University of Colorado at Boulder will host a topping-off ceremony for its Center for Community building from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14.
Those attending are invited to come sign the final steel beam, watch the beam be put into place, enjoy refreshments and tour the building just east of Regent Hall.
Guests will gather inside the structure at 11:20 a.m. for remarks by Chancellor Phil DiStefano, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Julie Wong and University of Colorado Student Union Tri-Executive Daniel Ramos. The event is free and open to the public.
Topping-off ceremonies have a long history dating back hundreds of years, according to an article by Scott L. Melnick in Modern Steel Construction.
The custom of decorating the uppermost point of a structure during construction with an evergreen tree is a tradition that predates the structural steel industry in America.
The oldest version of the ritual is reportedly from Sweden where a tree placed on the top beam was meant to honor the “tree people” from whom all the wood was taken. The custom is most widely practiced in Germany and the Scandinavian countries.
Brought to the United States by immigrants, ironworkers have taken ownership of the ritual, Melnick wrote.
Today, all trades people on the job usually join in the celebration, as well as supervisors, representatives of the architecture and engineering firms, the owner or representatives of the owners, donors and VIPs.
The topping-off portion of the ceremony will be held outside. All guests should wear long pants and closed shoes.
