UIndy Medical Pavilion Progressing
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowUniversity of Indianapolis officials held a topping out ceremony for a $28 million Health Pavilion. The facility will be home to several academic programs and wellness services. The project is set to open next August and is part of a larger $50 million campus redevelopment effort. November 4, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – What's 30 feet long and weighs 800 pounds? Hint: It's painted white but covered in thousands of signatures.
This mystery object is the final structural beam in the frame of the University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion. In a brief ceremony Tuesday afternoon, it will be hoisted by crane and secured atop the four-story building now under construction on the UIndy campus.
Topping out ceremonies are a longtime practice among ironworkers, with roots in European and North American folk traditions. In this case, the steel beam has rested since Homecoming Week in the atrium of Schwitzer Student Center, accumulating the names and well wishes of UIndy students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors.
Rain or shine at 2 p.m. Tuesday, observers will gather at Nicoson Hall, just across Hanna Avenue from the construction site, to watch as the beam is lifted into place. As is customary, an American flag and a small tree – as well as a UIndy flag – will be attached to the beam.
The ceremony will include remarks from UIndy President Robert Manuel; Yvonne Shaheen, vice chair of the university Board of Trustees; interim Associate Provost Ellen Miller; and university co-chaplain Jeremiah Gibbs.
About the Health Pavilion
The University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion will open in Fall 2015 at Hanna and State avenues as the new home for UIndy’s programs in nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, kinesiology, athletic training and social work, as well as the Center for Aging & Community. The 160,000-square-foot collaborative learning environment was designed by CSO Architects for developer Strategic Capital Partners, with construction being overseen by Pepper Construction Group. The project is part of a five-year, $50 million development plan the university announced earlier this year to lay the foundation for future growth.
Source: The University of Indianapolis