| Milestone reached at new state prison |
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Deer Ridge in Madras "Topped Out" on Tuesday
On Tuesday, November 21, 2006, the last of the pre-fabricated concrete panels was hoisted into place at the Deer Ridge Correctional Institution near Madras, Ore.
A ceremony was held to honor the milestone called a "Topping Out." The history of topping out is one of the oldest customs of the construction industry. Originating in Europe and prior to the adoption of Christianity, builders of shelters would address the forest and ask it to grant them a tree to construct their home. Once completed, a branch of that tree would be placed at the top of the home to show appreciation and thanks for the materials used.
As time passed, the worship gradually changed. The custom of placing a tree on a completed structure came with the immigrants to the United States and it became an integral part of American culture in barn raisings and housewarmings.
Today the custom lives on by placing a live tree and an American flag on the highest or last component of a structural shell. The tree and flag will stay on the last panel until Monday, November 27, when they will then be taken down and presented by the construction firm to the Department of Corrections. The tree will be planted on site.
Central Premix out of Spokane, Washington, placed 1,064 panels in total. They logged over 13,000 man hours with no accidents. The heaviest panels weighed in at 20-tons. In total weight, that would be over:
• 3,755,294 gallons of milk
• 2,660,000 bowling balls
• 456,000 bails of hay
• 3755 Asian Elephants
• Or 400 Semi's
Deer Ridge Correctional Institution is a state prison for men with 644 minimum beds (including 212 alcohol/drug treatment beds) and 1,240 medium beds. Construction of the minimum is expected to be completed early next year with inmates to arrive in late 2007. The medium is scheduled to be completed in 2008. At full capacity, DRCI is expected to employ more than 450 correctional professionals.
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