NORTH READING, Mass. --- Columbia Construction Company, serving as Construction Manager, and Hobbs Brook Management, a pioneer in the development of office space in the suburbs, marked a milestone at its Hobbs Brook Office Park campus by hosting a topping off ceremony on February 24th at the site’s location, 175•185 Wyman Street in Waltham, Mass.

The "topping off" ceremony for new building projects is an ancient construction tradition that marks the moment when the highest structural point in the building construction has been attained. To celebrate this event, a steel beam is painted white and signed by the workers and invited guests and hoisted into place. A contemporary American version of this ceremony includes placing an evergreen tree on the beam, along with an American flag, to represent not only patriotism, but respect for the construction workers.

"Hobbs Brook Management is proud to observe this milestone by recognizing the  entire construction team including construction workers and managers , I thank them for their  efforts to make this project a reality for us,” said Donald Oldmixon, first vice president of Hobbs Brook Management LLC. “Construction is progressing well, especially considering the winter weather this season. Hobbs Brook Management could not be more pleased with Columbia’s performance and keeping this project on time and on budget."

The entire 175•185 Wyman Street complex will be designed to meet green building standards. With a minimum goal of LEED Gold, Columbia is playing an active role with Hobbs Brook Management and Margulies Perruzzi Architects in the planning, documentation and achievement of LEED Gold certification with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The original 335,000 s.f. building was demolished and 90% of the steel, concrete and masonry were recycled. The two new buildings will utilize an existing underground water storage tank to capture stormwater runoff for irrigation purposes. In addition, the project includes implementation of a green housekeeping program and construction of new roofs with a high reflection rating to reduce the heat island effect. Green practices extend to include preferred parking for hybrid vehicles and car poolers, as well as making shower facilities available to encourage the use of bicycles as transportation.

“Having spent ten months in preconstruction and now in construction for just seven months, Columbia is honored to be partnering with Hobbs Brook Management, Margulies Perruzzi Architects and their consultants,” stated Jim Marsh, senior vice president and COO of Columbia Construction.  “The entire preconstruction and construction process has been a truly remarkable experience due to the highly collaborative effort by all team members.  This partnering approach also extends to the valued work of the subcontractors and the individual workers who are ultimately responsible for putting the pieces in place.  We are deeply appreciative of their attention to detail and spirit of cooperation and we are thrilled to share in their day of celebration as we memorialize their fine efforts with the topping off ceremony.”

Using the latest technology in Revit and NavisWorks (BIM) for the design and construction of these two new buildings, the exterior will consist of a terra cotta rainscreen wall panel system, metal panels, areas of full-height curtain walls, and low-e windows with sunscreens. Located immediately off of Route 128, the project also entails extensive site work over the entire 26-acres.