More Fitness Center Pics!

The last piece of steel on Providence College's 23,000-square-foot fitness center was hoisted into place in a ceremony steeped in tradition on Tuesday, December 5, 2006.

"This is really going to be a showpiece!" exclaimed Carl Russo, project manager at PC, who joined a host of College and construction officials in witnessing the "topping off" ceremony at the construction site adjacent to the Peterson Recreation Center, Alumni Hall, and the Slavin Center.

A construction industry tradition that dates back to approximately 700 A.D., the ceremony signifies the placing of the final structural element. To commemorate the milestone, the piece of iron is painted white, is signed by ironworkers and other dignitaries, and is hoisted into place with a small evergreen or other tree and an American flag attached.

"It represents a phase of accomplishment . . . with the structure being physically complete. This has to happen before the big day when we cut the ribbon," said Mark Rapoza, director of capital projects and facilities planning at PC, who is overseeing the construction of the fitness center for the College.

Rapoza was one of more than a dozen College administrators and officials from the construction manager, Consigli Construction Co., Inc., of Milford, Mass., who signed the steel beam before it was hoisted by a crane operator and placed to the upper left of the main entrance of the center.

Also taking part in the ceremony from the College were President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P.; Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P., executive vice president and treasurer; and administrators from the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Business, the Department of Athletics, the Department of Recreational and Intramural Sports, and the Office of Safety and Security.

The two-level fitness center, which will feature a three-story, 4,000-square-foot glass atrium, is intended for use by the general student body, student-athletes, faculty, and staff. It will include areas for cardiovascular and aerobic exercise equipment, an area for free weights, a glass meeting room, and an observation room that will overlook the artificial-turf field.

Together with improvements and renovations in Alumni Hall, including a new sports medicine facility, the project is estimated at $15 million. The fitness center is scheduled to open in time for the beginning of the fall 2007 semester.