Monteith Construction workers carry the signed pinnacle structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.


N.C. A&T officials and employees, including members of the Board of Trustees and the CAES Advisory Board, gathered on April 26 to sign the pinnacle structural steel beam of the college’s Urban and Community Food Complex, currently under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion.

Called a Topping-Out Ceremony, this common tradition involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure. Monteith Construction workers transported and fitted the beam into its space in the $12 million, nearly 15,000-square-foot building. According to CAES Interim Dean Shirley Hymon-Parker, the complex is intended to serve as a small-business incubator, part research and engagement facility, including a sensory lab for conducting consumer research, a post-harvest physiology lab for examining harvested products, a food processing lab, a commercial kitchen, and a food safety lab.

“In this building, food entrepreneurs will be able to research and test their business ideas with assistance from the college faculty and Cooperative Extension specialists,” she said.

Gallery

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Employees gather to sign the pinnacle structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.

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Monteith Construction workers install the signed pinnacle structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.

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The signed pinnacle structural steel beam bears the signature of Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr., and others during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.

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Monteith Construction workers carry the signed pinnacle structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.

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Monteith Construction workers install the signed pinnacle structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.

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CAES employees Daniel Cooper, left, and Randall Quillian sign the pinnacle structural steel beam during the topping-out ceremony for North Carolina A&T State’s Urban and Community Food Complex under construction next to the University Farm Pavilion at 3020 McConnell Road. A common tradition during topping-out ceremonies involves placing the final beam at the highest point of the structure.