Rebuilding Project
Topping Out Celebrates Hard Work and the Future of WMMC
On March 17, 2004, the steel framework of the acute care tower was “topped out.” Topping out celebrations are an important tradition in construction projects, and WMMC took this opportunity to mark the special moment in our hospital’s history and to recognize the people who have worked on the New White Memorial rebuilding project.
What is a “topping out”? The topping out is when the uppermost steel beam is put into place, which means that the structure under construction has reached its highest point. The steel beam is decorated with an American flag and a small evergreen tree. The meaning behind the flag and tree varies from project to project, but generally the American flag signifies patriotism and the evergreen represents life and growth of the building.
The 20-minute ceremony gathered employees, leadership and governing board members. Special remarks were made by Bob Carmen, Chair of the WMMC Governing Board; Beth Zachary, President and CEO; and Albert Deininger, Vice President of Facilities and Support Services. Chaplain Paul Crampton offered a special blessing before the beam was hoisted into place.
“The topping out celebration is an exciting moment for everyone at White Memorial – it’s amazing to see our structure up and standing proudly against the Los Angeles skyline,” said Albert Deininger. “This project could not be completed without the enormous coordination effort, support, and teamwork from all the construction vendors involved. I would like to thank Charles Pankow Builders and Herrick Steel for their diligence, effort, and attention to quality to enable that the acute care tower steel structure go up ahead of schedule. And this project could not be possible without the hard work of all our employees who really are White Memorial.”
The beam is now part of the roof structure, and will be permanently visible from the Mechanic’s Room.
Posted 3/29/04
