January 27, 2025
In December 2024, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) officials and construction teams gathered to watch as Turner Construction Company and Apex Steel used a crane to place one of the final steel beams in place atop the highest point of the C Concourse Expansion project at SEA. The ceremony commemorated a key milestone for the construction project, which when complete, will add four floors of shops, eateries, lounge space, seating, and airfield views to the current facility.
The topping out milestone is commonly celebrated in construction projects around the world, and is part of an ancient Scandinavian tradition that celebrates the work and effort of those who worked on construction of the building. Before the beam is raised, an evergreen tree is attached to one end of the beam, and in this case, an American flag to the other.
Learn more about the roots of the tradition, the significance of the tree, and what happens during the ceremony.
What does “topping out” mean?
“Topping out” refers to the last piece of steel placed on the highest point of a building’s structure. The placement of the beam marks the highest point of the building and celebrates those who worked on it and looks forward to its completion. This practice dates back over 1,000 years.
What happens during a topping out ceremony?
Before the beam is raised into place, a few ceremonial practices take place:.
- Future owners of the building and the project team sign the beam (painted white), leaving their permanent mark on the building
- The beam is not the only thing raised in the tradition of topping out — a small live evergreen tree and an American flag are attached before its final placement
- Guests often celebrate with a toast and sometimes workers are treated to a meal
There are many variations of the ceremony, and it can be customized to meet different needs.
Dustin Irwin, Superintendent of Apex Steel, spoke at the C Concourse Expansion topping out ceremony about the meaning of the tradition to the ironworker trade, and their role of placing the final beam at the top of the structure.
“For us ironworkers, topping out is more than just an acknowledgement of progress. It is a testament of dedication, and expertise poured into every beam, bolt, and weld. This ceremony honors the hard work of those who have spent countless hours defying gravity with precision, ensuring that the structural integrity of the buildings that define our communities, the hoisting of the final beam, often adorned with the evergreen tree.”
Irwin said the ceremony also recognizes the role of collaboration in the success of the project.
“Beyond the symbols, the topping out is a moment to recognize the collaboration and comradery that makes such achievements possible — from the architects and engineers who design the plans to the laborers who bring them to life. This milestone reflects the collective effort of an entire team united by a shared goal.”
Why is there a tree on the beam?
An ancient Scandinavian tradition places a tree atop a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced in its construction. The tree is also thought to symbolize growth and bring good luck. Over time the tradition has also become a way to give thanks and show respect to the earth for its valuable resources.
There are several other versions of the history and meaning behind the use of the tree in the “topping out” ceremony, none of which are certain. Here are a few popular theories of its origin:
- Historically, a pine tree was used in the topping out ceremony. After the needles had fallen off the tree, the builders knew the wood frame below had dried out so they could enclose the building
- Native Americans believed that no structure could be taller than the trees, so they placed a tree on the final and highest beam
- The Viking chieftains erected houses called mead halls, which were topped by an evergreen to celebrate completion
- As early as 700 A.D., Scandinavians topped off their structure with a fir tree to signal those nearby that it was time for the celebration to start
Why is there a flag on the beam?
The flag attached to the beam symbolizes the completion of a building's structure and is often seen as a sign of good luck for the future occupants, while also representing patriotism and the hard work of the construction crew. The usage of the American flag can be traced back over 100 years, originating when ironworkers used it to show solidarity against anti-union practices known as the "American Plan."
Around the world
This practice remains common around the world today. Here are some ways it shows up globally:
- In the United States, the last beam of a skyscraper is often painted white and signed by workers
- In New Zealand, completion of a roof to a water-proof state is celebrated through a "roof shout,", where workers are treated to cake and beer
- The tradition of "pannenbier" (literally "roof tile beer" in Dutch) is popular in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium), where a national, regional, or city flag is hung once the highest point of a building is reached. It stays in place until the building's owner provides free beer to the workers, after which it is lowered. Since the workers are treated to free beer as long as the flag is raised, the workers are considered greedy if they fly the flag for more than a few days
- The Empire State Building was such a significant and tall structure that the team held three separate topping out ceremonies, one at the sidewalk level where the Governor placed a time capsule ; one where the steelworkers raised a flag 1,048 feet above the city when the frame was completed; and another when the last piece of steel was placed on the tower of the building
How did SEA personalize the C Concourse Expansion topping out?
The unofficial project logo is a work of graffiti art that honors the project and construction workers, handmade by a talented airport employee. This art was on full display at the center of the beam as members of the project team, labor groups, and Port of Seattle and SEA Airport staff gathered to sign the beam and celebrate the moment as it was lifted into place.
The event took place out on the airfield at the base of the building’s construction site. Almost 200 people gathered to celebrate the achievements of the different teams before the beam went up. Speakers included Port and SEA executive leadership and Commission, as well as representatives from the Seattle Building Trades, Apex Steel, and Turner Construction. A special appearance was even made by SEA’s brand-new mascot, Jett, the SEA Otter.
C Concourse Expansion project
The C Concourse Expansion (CCE) project is part of the Upgrade SEA suite of capital projects improving the airport customer experience. When complete, there will be a bevvy of new dining and retail spaces; more seating around a central gathering area called the “Tree at C”; additional premier lounge space; an airfield viewing platform referred to as the “Lookout at C”; and a variety of stunning art and plethora of services and amenities.
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