The new Florida Hospital Apopka celebrated a key construction milestone today en route to its expected opening in fall 2017.
A construction crew from contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, along with Florida Hospital personnel and guests, gathered for what’s known as a “topping out” ceremony to mark that the building has reached its highest point. In keeping with a longstanding construction tradition, a beam and a fir tree were hoisted atop the hospital. The tree symbolizes growth and is meant to bring good luck to the building.
“This ceremony is an opportunity to bring together everyone involved in this project and celebrate this accomplishment,” said Peyton Robertson, Division Manager Florida Healthcare at Brasfield & Gorrie. “We have partnered with Florida Hospital for more than 20 years, and appreciate the opportunity to bring this building into a reality for the residents of west Orange County.”
Campus Administrator Tim Cook noted that the new hospital will mean new services for area residents.
“With this topping-out milestone, we are one major step closer to delivering the expanded health care services that this rapidly growing area needs,” Cook said. “In addition to 120 private patient rooms, this building will allow us to add surgical services and a diagnostic cath lab.”
Leading up to the celebration, the beam traveled around Apopka so the public could add their signatures before it was lifted into place. Construction workers and guests also signed the beam at today’s ceremony.
Watch more videos of the topping-out ceremony at The Apopka Chief’s new YouTube channel. These clips are categorized under “Florida Hospital Apopka.”
