(Jackson, Mich.) — From the Jackson YMCA:
The Jackson YMCA construction project reached a significant milestone last Friday, June 28, as nearly 100 spectators gathered to witness the placement of the final steel beam during a Topping-Out ceremony. CEO Shawna Tello welcomed attendees with remarks celebrating the people, perseverance, and progress that marked this pivotal moment in the building’s construction.
Redinger Steel Erectors has successfully completed the steel frame of the new addition, which is a crucial phase in the project. In construction, topping-out ceremonies are traditional celebrations of placing the final beam in a building’s framing.
The ceremony, held across from the Y at Trinity Lutheran Church, was a proud moment for the Jackson YMCA. The final beam was adorned with a YMCA flag, an American flag, and an evergreen tree atop. Ryan Baar, Senior Project Manager at Granger Construction, explained the symbolism of the evergreen tree. While topping-out traditions have varied histories, in the United States, it is common to see an evergreen tree and an American flag attached to the final beam. Some stories attribute the inclusion of the evergreen to Scandinavian immigrants, honoring building traditions dating back to 700 A.D. Other stories credit Indigenous American beliefs that “no structure should be taller than a tree.” Today, this practice is considered a wish for good luck during construction and best wishes for the future occupants of the building. To commemorate the occasion, saplings were made available for guests to take home and plant.
In the coming weeks, the new front of the building will begin to take shape, and the installation of the full glass front will commence. Inside, drywall has been hung in many areas, paving the way for ceramic tile installation to begin.
Additionally, W. Wesley St. remains closed by the city for water line work, and AT&T continues work on Franklin St. to prepare for fiber optic upgrades in the area.
The Jackson YMCA looks forward to the continued progress and completion of this exciting project in May 2025.