Orlando Magic Conduct "Topping Off" Ceremony for Amway Center

Via the Orlando Magic:

Construction on the new Amway Center in downtown Orlando meets a milestone as the placement of the final steel beam is recognized by the traditional "Topping Off" ceremony. [...]

 

The 875,000 square foot Amway Center will open in the fall of 2010 and compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows, while serving as the home of the Orlando Magic. 

 

Participants [included] Orlando Magic Chief Operating Officer Alex Martins, Mayors Buddy Dyer and Rich Crotty, City and County Commissioners and representatives from Hunt Construction Group.

 

“Topping Off,” coined by ironworkers in the 1920s, celebrates hoisting the final piece of structural steel once a building has reached its maximum height. The beam will be signed by fans, construction crews, Orlando Magic and City and County officials.  Traditionally “Topping Off” also involves placing a small tree or branches at the top of the new building to signify a safe and efficient job well done, while honoring nature for providing natural resources for its construction.  Amway Center will be Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certified.

I put together a slideshow of the pictures the organization provided in the press releases leading up to the "Topping Off" ceremony that occurred this morning. The photos span from February to October and are courtesy of Fernando Medina/Orlando Magic.