The WVUH Southeast Tower project reached a milestone in its construction. Members of the IKM design team and Yates construction team celebrated with WVUH Administration and public officials the topping out ceremony of the Southeast Tower project, on Wednesday, September 16. This 10-story addition was designed by IKM Incorporated Architects as part of the $250 million expansion at West Virginia University Healthcare.
The ceremony, heaped in tradition, is held when the last steel beam is placed atop the structure, during its construction, signaling that the project has reached its maximum height. The beam is typically painted white and project participants are invited to place their signatures on it. This Topping Out included customary symbols of the evergreen tree and American Flag that have taken on different meanings at different times throughout history.
“IKM is excited about celebrating this milestone in the project’s construction and looks forward to the Fall of 2016 and the realization of a facility that supports the best of patient care and a superior work environment,” said John Schrott, AIA, ACHA, EDAC, president of IKM Incorporated architects.
During the ceremony, speakers included WVU Medicine – WVU Hospitals President and CEO Albert Wright, Yates Construction Project Manager Brandon McCulloch and WVU Medicine Spiritual Care Director John Hardman, who provided the blessing of the beam.
“We will have the most state-of-the-art part of our institution, and of any hospital you will find, will be available for patient care,” said Albert Wright, president and CEO of WVU Medicine. “This is a great day to celebrate and a glorious day to do it.”
WVU Hospitals is constructing this 10-story tower to address capacity issues and better serve the healthcare needs of all West Virginia residents. This patient tower marks the third, and largest, phase of the execution of their master plan, also completed by IKM. The tower will include critical-care, private patient rooms and acute-care patient rooms. The design of the patient units, in small clusters or neighborhoods, allow clinical staff to maximize the amount of time they devote to patient care.
IKM is a 40+ person architecture, planning and interior design firm based in Pittsburgh, PA. The firm’s mission is to provide innovative and informed architecture that positively impacts the world through understanding, exploration and decision making. Guided by seven core values, IKM is committed to serving their clients by understanding industry demands and providing architectural solutions that support ever-changing needs. IKM’s proactive design process utilizes the latest tools and technologies including Revit Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Sefaira sustainable performance analysis software. IKM is a signatory of the 2030 Commitment sponsored by the American Institute of Architects to adapt their operations and design product to the highest level of environmental consciousness. The firm’s sustainability portfolio includes many LEED® certified projects and our team includes LEED® accredited professionals.
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