North Carolina Cancer Hospital “Topped Off”
UNC Health Care and Skanska USA Building Inc. held the “topping off” ceremony on September 25, 2007 for the NC Cancer Hospital.
A “topping off” is when the highest structural element- a steel beam – of a high-rise is hoisted to the top of the building. This beam is first signed by the workers and project members and then lifted by cable to the top of the structure. After it is welded into place, a small pine tree is anchored on top.
“The tree is the key symbol and is not, as many might suppose, a holiday touch. In the high-steel trade, it announces that the construction has reached the sky without loss of life or serious injury. And it is meant to auger well for the future inhabitants of the building.”
Skanska has been diligent about workplace safety throughout the project.
And for UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center patients and the health care professionals who care for them, that’s great news.
The cancer hospital is on schedule for a July 2009 construction completion date and a late fall opening.
