Winter 2018 Update
Topping Out Ceremony
On February 20, 2018, lead contractor Pepper Construction hosted leadership from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Community East Hospital and members of the various construction teams erecting the NDI to conduct a “topping out” ceremony. That morning, the last piece of structural steel for the west tower was signed by all attendees and hoisted into position. Topping out ceremonies traditionally occur when a new building reaches its highest point. As it was hoisted into position above what will be the NDI’s 7th floor, the beam was accompanied by an American flag and an evergreen tree, a ritual of topping out ceremonies that dates back over 1,000 years.
Towering facts and figures
At the ceremony, Eric Zeronik, senior superintendent from Pepper Construction announced some staggering statistics about the project and the steel that has become the framework for the structure.
- Over 2,000 tons of steel have been used
- 100 truckloads of steel delivered
- The largest piece of steel weighs over 12,000 pounds
- 8,000 main pieces have been put into the building
- 55,364 bolts were used to connect them
Dr. Sheward meets his new neighbors
In January, Dr. Jerry Sheward, superintendent and chief medical officer for the NDI, visited with the Community Heights Neighborhood Association to answer their questions about the new hospital being built in their neighborhood. Community Heights is a neighborhood located within 10th Street on the south, 21st Street on the north, Emerson Ave on the western edge, stretching all the way to Arlington Ave. The NDI will become a neighbor to the residents of the Community Heights neighborhood.