Construction continues on UTSA Institute for Economic Development
(Oct. 14, 2002)--Construction at the Downtown Campus on the permanent facility for the UTSA Institute for Economic Development is moving along steadily. About one-third of the $6.4 million structure is complete, with an informal "topping-out" ceremony set for 11:45 a.m. Oct. 21.
The ceremony, one of the earliest traditions in the construction industry,
takes place when the final or upper-most structural beam is hoisted into place.
Dignitaries and members of the building team customarily sign the beam and
place a tree on the building's roof to mark the milestone. Centuries ago,
a tree was attached to the top of buildings to appease the tree spirits, since
structures were traditionally made of wood. The custom was brought to this
country by early immigrants and now not only marks the topping of the structure
but also symbolizes a job well done and good fortune for its future inhabitants.
Members of the Tri-Campus community are invited to observe the topping-out
ceremony for the 33,000-square-foot IED facility, designed by Ford, Powell
& Carson Architects & Planners Inc. The contractor, Swinerton Construction,
will hoist the tree for the ceremony. The project is scheduled for completion
in late spring 2003.
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2002