« Back to News List

SIGMA7 Celebrates with FedEx at Memphis Hub Generator and Substation Topping off Ceremony

January 8th, 2024


Symbolic beams were presented to each member of the project team to commemorate the milestone.

The topping out ceremony, which has a rich, long, and mysterious history is always a cause for celebration.

SIGMA7 was proud to participate in the FedEx Memphis Hub Generator and Substation Project topping out along with Federal Express and members of core project team, Christman Co., Flintco, and Allen + Hoshall.

SIGMA7 rendering of the FedEx Memphis Hub Generator and Substation

Image 1 - SIGMA7 rendering of the FedEx Memphis Hub Generator and Substation

The team commemorates the event by signing the final beam. SIGMA7's Robert Rouleau, in the blue jacket signed for the design team.

Image 2 - Robert Rouleau, RA, ATD (in blue jacket) was honored with signing the beam on behalf of our Architectural and Engineering team

The topping out ceremony is an important rite of the construction team’s efforts as well as recognition of the installation of the last and typically tallest beam being placed atop a structure during construction. The rich history, cultural significance and related rituals can be traced back to the Viking Age and possibly beyond –

The signed topping off beam with ceremonial evergreen and American Flag ready to take flight     The beam aloft - the windy day made the pick slightly more difficult

Image 3 + 4 Topping off beam following signing ceremony and in flight to it's final resting place

The beam carefully being moved into place by the steel workers     The topping off beam reaches it's final resting place and is affixed to the structure

Image 5 + 6  Iron workers and steel erection crew at the ready carefully moving the beam into place. Lastly, the iron workers securing the beam to the structure 

The following a bit of history, tradition, and lore:

  • In Scandinavia during the Viking Age, a tree was placed at the highest point of the structure to appease the spirits displaced during the construction process to bring good luck and prosperity to the building and it’s occupants.
  • Others believe the tradition started in Egypt with the completion of the first pyramid. The tree placed at the pinnacle was to honor those that died during the construction, as the tree was seen as a symbol of everlasting life.
  • The United States traces the tradition to the Native American belief that no building should be taller than a tree. Affixing a tree to the top of the structure was seen as a work-around, as well as a means to appease the forest spirits.
  • In modern times, the final steel beam, frequently painted white, is signed by the owner, design and construction team, along with other honories and dignitaries. The beam is adorned with an Evergreen tree, and American flag, and other banners. The beam is finally hoisted with great ceremony, A celebratory meal typically follows, shared by all to commemorate the event and accomplishment.
  • The tradition is also shared for masonry construction; however, it is typically celebrated when the last block or brick is bedded.

No matter what your belief, the topping off symbolizes the positive and good things to come, it bestows good luck for the future inhabitants, symbolically acknowledges the role of the nature, and the importance of the natural environment and the impact of man-made structures. No one will dispute that it is recognition for the hard work to date and a job well done for all contributors no matter how small or significant.

The ceremony also serves as a formal announcement and introduction the building to the public, while recognizing Ownership along with the Construction and Project Team’s collective pride in their progress and accomplishments to date.


ABOUT US

SIGMA7 would like to celebrate along with you and your organization.

We are a full service integrated architectural and engineering firm that provides professional services to clients in the public and private sectors. Our clients include Fortune 500 ranked organizations in the technology, insurance, banking, and financial markets.

Still curious or want to learn more about SIGMA7, our integrated A/E approach, or see how we can assist you and your team?

Please visit SIGMA7design.com, email us at contact@sigma7design.com, or call our office at 212 779.7100 we are here to listen, answer your questions, and would like to learn more about you and your organization as well.

 

« Back to News List