Topping Off Ceremony Held at New Student Residence

A significant milestone has been reached at the new Student Residence — the topping off ceremony marking the completion of the steel erection phase was held on Friday, May 13. Participants in the ceremony signed the beam and then it was raised. Following the raising of the beam, iron workers shared a meal and received a shirt commemorating the event. This is traditional practice in the industry dating back to the turn of the century.

Topping off ceremony participants. BU representatives included Gary Nicksa, Bill Gasper, David Flynn, Derek Rodgers, John Barton. (May 2011)
Topping off ceremony participants. BU representatives included Gary Nicksa, Bill Gasper, David Flynn, Derek Rodgers, John Barton. (May 2011)

The topping off ceremony means that the crane is now no longer required on the site and can be dismantled.  Other work recently completed includes the top track layout for the wall studs on the second and third floors.

Topping off ceremony -- signing the final beam. (May 2011)
Topping off ceremony — signing the final beam. (May 2011)
Raising the final beam. (May 2011)
Raising the final beam. (May 2011)
Dismantling the crane. (May 2011)
Dismantling the crane. (May 2011)

The plumbing and the roof steel frame work have been started. Pouring of the concrete on the fifth floor begins on Friday, May 20. Fireproofing the basement has begun and will move to the first floor on Monday, May 23. In addition duct work layout will start of the first floor on Monday, May 23.

Please keep in mind that Albany Street roadwork starts Wednesday, June 1.

The nine-story, $40 million structure is designed by Beacon Architectural Associates with a brick and limestone façade. Its 104 two-bedroom suites that include bath, kitchenette and living spaces will accommodate 208 students, each with individual bedrooms, the standard for graduate student housing. Walsh Brothers is the contractor for the building, which is expected to take 18 months to complete.

Click below to see earlier updates on the student residence construction.