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Pima County to hold Jan. 7 "topping off" ceremony for courts complex.

The final steel beam for Pima County's new downtown courts complex will be set in place during a "topping off" ceremony Monday, Jan. 7, to celebrate the completion of the foundation and framework for the seven-floor tower.
The following is a release from the Pima County Communications Office:

With construction of the shell expected to wrap up in late 2013, the 290,000-square-foot complex on a 4-acre parcel on North Stone and East Toole avenues not only will ultimately address pressing court needs, but has created or sustained more than 520 construction jobs in this first phase of the project.

Construction, which began in February, will pause as the members of the Board of Supervisors and dozens of construction workers sign the final beam before it is hoisted into place 140 feet above the ground. Work then will commence on enclosing the
structure.

"Symbolically, a steel beam represents strengthso it is only fitting that we take a moment to acknowledge the way this project has served to strengthen our community,"
said Ramón Valadez, the Chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors.

In addition to the jobs created or sustained through the workon the construction of the $48 million shell, the facility will also ensure that Pima County will be able to serve its residents well into the future, he noted.
Pima County Supervisor Richard Elías thanked the construction workers for their commitment and hard work and said he hopes safety remains paramount as they
complete the job.

The building, which lies within his district, will also serve to support Pima County courts employees, he said.

"For years to come, this building will provide
security for those who do important work in what is often a difficult setting."

The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted a year ago in December to move forward with the construction of the foundation and building shell to take advantage of a
competitive construction market, shaving an anticipated $9 million off the $48 million construction cost of the shell.

Tenant improvements are expected to begin inthe fall of 2013, with occupancy in early
2015.

Project details follow.