October 14, 2009

The hoisting of the final steel beam in any construction project is a symbolic event. It means the most dangerous phase of the project is over, and construction is nearing the halfway mark. The "topping out" ceremony at the new Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville on Pantops Mountain celebrated this progress.

Wednesday morning, the final steel beam was placed on the massive 500-foot structure, and more than 300 construction workers, as well as the president of the hospital, celebrated this milestone. After the final beam was placed, workers enjoyed a well-deserved break and a barbecue lunch on-site.

There is an American flag proudly waving on top of the beam and a real Christmas tree as well. The tree, however, has little to do with the holidays. It symbolizes a safe work environment and represents a good luck charm for the future workers and patients who will be in the new hospital building.

"I hope that it means a lot to the community. I hope those people who have come to Martha Jefferson Hospital for over a hundred years now come to the new Martha Jefferson Hospital for the next hundred years," said Martha Jefferson President, James Haden.

"We've got a couple team members who've already had a baby at the Martha Jefferson Hospital," says Scott Heberlein, Senior Project Manager with Mortenson Construction. "This is their hospital that they're building."

The old hospital will be used for residential and retail office space.

The $275 million project is ahead of schedule and is expected to be finished by 2012. Much of that $275 million price-tag is funded by donors, so Martha Jefferson will be recognizing donors for their contributions on-site Wednesday evening from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.