The construction crews at The Hamilton project paused earlier today as they observed the marking of a milestone in the construction of Phase II - the building’s “topping off” - the placement of the final steel beam.

Dating back to the 19th century, this topping off ceremony pays homage to the long-standing tradition of construction workers, particularly steel, where the final beam is hoisted to the tallest point of a building (complete with an evergreen tree to bring good luck to its occupants).

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To commemorate today's occasion, the crews enjoyed boxed BBQ lunches all while looking snazzy and sporting their casual Friday in custom MBC Hawaiian apparel. Hawaiian Fridays...also a tradition in the construction field.

It is vital we recognize and celebrate the outstanding grit and resilience of several contractors who have contributed to the success and efficiency of this superstructure build.

In particular, Iron Workers Local 401. While they have all exhibited their usual quality workmanship over these last several weeks, they have admirably adapted to quite a challenging year. Jason Gravel, Road Superintendent of Independence Steel/XLE Metals, effortlessly overcame many obstacles to ensure the project had the steel needed continuously on time to erect this impressive structure. Also, Jim and Crash, crew foremen for Independence Steel/XLE Metals, both deserve a congratulations for accomplishing this incredible achievement.

Key Trade Partners: Crystal Steel Fabricators (steel fabricator & manufacturer), Independence Steel/XLE Metals (steel erector), Healy Long & Jevin (cast-in-place concrete), and Jonasz Precast (pre-cast plank).

While more work is yet to come, today at Hamilton II we are fortunate to take part in a long-lasting historical tradition that recognizes this major milestone of the men and women that have worked so hard together to get the project to this point.

““Congratulations to Brian Cook and our site staff, our key trade partners, and Radnor Property Group for their commitment to first and foremost safety, then quality, and ultimately efficiency during some very difficult circumstances,” says Paul McDonald, President of McDonald Building Company. “This is a huge accomplishment under normal conditions, but extremely impressive during the pandemic limitations over the past several months.” ”

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McDonald Building Company is several months into the new 16-story urban high rise in Philadelphia's North Broad Street Corridor. Phase II includes 297 resident units and a rooftop deck in addition to numerous amenities, retail space, a fitness center, community plaza & garden.

A fully clad pre-fabricated metal panel wall system is being used for the building enclosure and GirderSlab system with steel & precast concrete planks was utilized for the primary structure. And now, the steel framing is officially complete today after this momentous last beam was installed.

Construction began December 2019 and although Covid halted work in the spring, the project remains to be on schedule and on pace to open Summer of 2021. The project architect is MY Architecture.

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Want to view the live construction cam at Hamilton II? Click here.

Hamilton II Places Final Steel Beam to Top Off Superstructure

McDonald Building Company participates in National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction

MBC team attends the 21st Annual AIA Golf Outing this past Monday