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2 COUNTY ADMINISTRATION NORTH TOPPING OFF CEREMONY In late June, a milestone was reached in the construction of the new County Administration North building. After months of work, one final beam remained to be raised and placed, signifying the completion of the building’s structure. Construction workers, particularly steel workers, celebrate this accomplishment by holding a “topping out” ceremony. The final beam is usually the highest point of a structure and is placed with a small evergreen tree on one end and a U.S. Flag on the other. The tree remains on the beam until it must be removed for ongoing construction and will be planted elsewhere afterward. The tradition dates back centuries to Scandinavian countries where builders would place a tree at the highest point of a new building. 6
Co unty Co n n e c t i on
The tree was intended to appease the tree-dwelling spirits that had been displaced during the construction of the building. County employees were invited to come and join in the festivities by signing the beam and watching it being raised into place that afternoon. Many took the opportunity to come out and participate, filling the beam with names, sketches, and words of wisdom for the ages. While the topping out signified the completion of the structure, work on the building continues. The County Administration North building is expected to be completed in August of 2022.
