The framing of the Alley House is completed! A “Topping Out” celebration was held on Monday, December 19th.

Originally a Scandinavian tradition, the practice of “topping out” a new building can be traced to the ancient rite of placing a tree atop a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits displaced in its construction. An important component of timber frame construction, this custom migrated to America where a tree or leafy branch is placed on the topmost wood beam, often with flags and streamers tied to it. A toast is usually shared, and the workers are treated to a meal.

For the Alley House ceremony, each member of the crew and visitors were given a ribbon to tie around the tree. A Scandinavian mulled spice drink and refreshment were served following in the steps of the “topping out” tradition.

Among the attendees celebrating the event was Abigail Lane and Joe Bowling from Englewood CDC, Dan Porzel the general contractor, two students from the Build Team Nik Seiber and Andre King, faculty member Pam Harwood and the entire framing crew.