On December 1, 2007, UCP Colorado held a very special “Topping Out” Ceremony at the location of their new building at 8th and Yosemite. "Topping out" is the term used by ironworkers to indicate that the final piece of steel is being hoisted into place on a building. The project is not completed, but it has reached its maximum height. To commemorate this first milestone, the final piece of iron is usually hoisted into place with a small evergreen tree and an American flag attached. One reason the ironworkers observe the topping out custom is the simple fact that they are the first workers to reach the top of the structure.
The ceremony began as guests arrived and signed their names and well wishes on the final piece of steel to later be hoisted into place on the new building. Wendell Stubblefield, an Elder from the Lowry Community Christian Church, began the festivities with an inspirational invocation before a catered lunch was served. During the luncheon, emcee, Jim Benemann and Judy Ham spoke to the crowd of about 100 people about the importance of the new building and the promise that it holds for future generations. A short video that spoke to the progress of the new building and the efforts being made through CP’s Capital Campaign was also viewed by guests.
Among the invitees, were longtime friends of UCP Colorado as well as a number of dignitaries that included Betty Sweeney, from Senator Ken Salazar’s office, Denver City Councilwoman, Marcia Johnson, State Representative, Anne McGihon, and Cherry Hills Village, Mayor Pro-Tem, Doug Tisdale. Also in attendance were several people instrumental in the founding of UCP Colorado including
Vi Kaveney, Phyllis Brees Eberhard, Goergia Grey, Puddy Seccumbe, and Juanita Tomblinson.
The event concluded as the crowd gathered outdoors and set their sights upward to watch the final piece of steel be hoisted and set into place on the new building. Cheers and applause rang out as workers from Shaw Construction masterfully placed the giant piece of steel in place and secured it to the building.
Shaw Construction, the general contractor on this project was the presenting sponsor for the luncheon. A special thanks the fine people at Shaw and to all who shared in this wonderful celebration! Please take a moment to view the image gallery below which chronicles the day’s events.
