Suffolk University - Somerset Street Residence Hall Topping Off

(Boston, MA - November 21, 2002)  Richard White Sons and Suffolk University held a topping-off ceremony at Suffolk University’s new residence hall on Somerset Street in Boston, MA.  The event signifies a milestone in the construction of  a 19-story, 368-bed residence hall whose footprint occupies just 7,000 square feet in a severely restricted urban site with no lay-down area.

Participating in the ceremony were Suffolk University officials, the architect - CannonDesign, ironworkers, job site trade subcontractors and the Richard White Sons team.  When the ceremonial steel beam was signed - by over 200 people involved with the project - an American flag and an evergreen tree were mounted and it was hoisted atop the structure by a 250 foot tower crane. Bringing a unique quality to the topping-off ceremony, ironworkers wore tuxedos while securing the last beam.  The event included a catered lunch and t-shirts featuring a rendering of the building.

The 128,000 square foot structure is scheduled for occupancy for the 2003-04 academic year.  When completed, the facility will double the number of university students living on campus.