The design and construction team for Sandy Hook Elementary School released the next series of images from the building site to The Bee July 8, including images from the “topping off” ceremony that was conducted June 30. On that morning, crew members on site were joined by several town officials to see the final steel construction beam at the new school being signed by the entire construction team and then hoisted into place.

Public Building and Site Commission Chairman Robert Mitchell, himself a former steel worker, said such ceremonies mark a significant milestone in the timeline of such commercial and public building projects.

Geralyn Hoerauf, a spokesperson for the design team with Diversified Project Management, said only First Selectman Pat Llodra, Mr Mitchell and three unidentified members of the Board of Education were on hand for the brief event, which was closed to the press and public.

According to Boston University Anthropology Professor Peter Wood, who wrote about the practice, the placing of a structure’s final steel beam is commemorated by painting the beam white and having the steel erection crew, construction team, designers, owners, and other dignitaries sign the beam for posterity. The beam is typically adorned with a small evergreen tree and an American flag on opposite ends of the beam to honor the accomplishments of the construction crew and is reminiscent of old-fashion, barn-raising celebrations.

The tree is the key symbol, according to the professor.

In the steel trade, it signifies construction has reached the sky without loss of life or injury and it bodes well for the future inhabitants of the building. Throughout history, the tree appears to have conveyed different meanings to different people.

It is believed to date back to 700 CE, when Scandinavians topped their newly completed structures with sheathes of grain for Odin’s horse, Sleipnir. Odin, supposedly impressed with this consideration for his horse, bestowed good luck on the future inhabitants.

The Vikings spread the custom across portions of the European world that they raided and colonized. Britons and Germans substituted small trees for sheathes of grain, and German tribes made a particular point of using only evergreens.

Some historians suggest that the Vikings themselves adopted the pine tree for the topping off. Regardless, the tradition appears to have reached America via immigrant Norwegian ironworkers in 1898. Native Americans — who believed that no structure should be taller than a tree — also topped off buildings with an evergreen to appease the forest spirits, while Americans have added the twist of placing an American flag on one end of the beam.

The professor said history indicates the evergreen symbolizes positive things — good luck for future occupants, new or continued growth in concert with the environment, and a safe job, well done.

Progress Report

Ms Hoerauf told The Bee that June 2015 progress included:

*Completed erection of the structural steel in Wings B, C, and D

*Completed underslab utility installation

*Placed the remaining slab on grade in Wings B, C, and D

*Installed exterior masonry walls at Wing A

*Framed and sheathed the front exterior wall at Wing A

*Continued drainage and utility work along on Dickinson Drive

She said July work will focus on the remaining slab on deck in Wings C and D; completing interior masonry walls at Wing A; installing roofing at Wing A; beginning overhead rough-in of utilities at Wing A; continued framing and sheathing of the front exterior wall; and beginning exterior wall framing at Wing Band interior masonry walls at Wings B and C.

Architects Qualified

In other news, Mr Mitchell said his commission completed the vetting and selection of qualified architects for the Newtown High School auditorium project. Following a closed executive session July 7, the PBSC chairman said that Gregg Wies & Gardner Architects LLC, Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc, Smith Edwards McCoy Architects, pc, Svigals + Partners, and Tecton Architects made the list of companies vying for the contract.

The PBSC, which manages most public building projects, plans to commence final interviews on July 22, with an eventual recommendation for hiring to follow. During a July 6 Town Meeting endorsing $3.6 million in bonding for the substantial renovations, Mr Mitchell said the earliest work might begin is next February and March, because part of the project would be reviewed and receive reimbursement through the state.