Structure Tone Celebrates St. Patrick's Cathedral Topping Out Ceremony in NYC
| All eyes looked skyward on October 4, 2012 as the last two beams were lifted into place atop the scaffolding at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The forecasted rain held off as workers, staff and Monsignor Robert Ritchie gathered to sign the beams and receive the Rector’s blessing. The final channel braces, one of which was also signed by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, had been set aside specifically for this event. After a brief prayer and blessing with holy water, those present gathered across the street from the church on Fifth Avenue to watch the beams be hoisted 200 feet above the street and secured into place to conclude the ceremony. The topping off ceremony was the culmination of many months of work. Structure Tone, as construction manager, oversaw construction of the scaffolding that now envelopes the church so that restoration can begin in earnest. The 133-year-old Cathedral is currently undergoing an extensive restoration project in order to recall its former beauty and reinforce its stability for the future. “On behalf of the entire Structure Tone team, thanks for your support and patience, this is a major project milestone,” said Ron Pennella, one of several project managers on the St. Patrick’s restoration project team. The Structure Tone organization refers to a group of independent companies including Structure Tone, Inc.; Structure Tone Southwest, Inc.; Structure Tone (UK), Inc.; Pavarini Construction Co., Inc.; Pavarini McGovern, LLC; and L.F. Driscoll Company, LLC. Each member company is an independent entity operating and providing services solely under its own name. STO collectively employs over 1,350 professionals; has 21 offices in the US, UK, Ireland and Asia; and puts in place over $2.8B in annual construction volume. Pictured above: (left to right) Monsignor Robert Ritchie with Joe Coppotelli, Eileen McCarthy and Ron Pennella, all with Structure Tone Workers lifting the beams up the scaffolding on the face of the Cathedral The beams are secured into place, concluding the ceremony |
