Seattle Justice Center Topping Off Ceremony

Seattle Justice Center construction reached a milestone on August 9th, 2001 when the final piece of structural steel was set in place at a topping off ceremony. The last beam, which was painted red, white, and blue, and sported an American flag and a Christmas tree, was set in place at the top of the west side of the building’s “tower”. The beam will serve as part of the jury assembly room roof.

As part of the ceremony, many of those involved in the Justice Center project signed the beam before it was hoisted into place. These included Ironworkers, former Mayor Paul Schell, Judge Ron Mamiya, Court Administrator Yolande Williams, city employees, project management, architectural staff, contractors, and subcontractors. Attaching a Christmas tree is an ironworkers’ tradition which began in Norway in 1898 and signifies a good job and good luck.

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