Cupola installation a peak experience

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Placement of cupolas atop the center wing and the east wing of the Farmer School's new building made for a high point in the construction process, literally and figuratively.

On October 17, the cupolas were assembled on the ground and hoisted by computer-assisted crane to their positions on the roof peaks. Lead donor Richard Farmer signed and dated the interior beam of the central cupola before it was lifted into place.

On a typical autumn day, the Farmer School construction site resembles a little city, with skilled workers busy on all aspects of the building. Masons are placing the last of the 650,000 bricks that form the exterior veneer. Roofers are laying clay tile. Electricians are threading wires within the steel framework on the building's west wing, while installation of dry wall, painting, and finish carpentry is underway in the east and center wings.

"Because we were able to work on the wings in phases, we move crews from one section of the building to another as work progresses. It's an efficient approach because it eliminates down-time," explains the university project manager John Seibert.

In September and October, more than 200 trade specialists have been at work on the building each day. Seibert estimates that that number will swell to more than 400 this winter as interior finish work increases.

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