Hastings Family YMCA Places Last Steel Beam on New Facility
A crane has hoisted the last steel beam of the new Hastings Family YMCA in Hastings, NE in a "topping out" ceremony.
Dozens of people attended the event, where participants signed the ceremonial steel beam, leaving their permanent presence, before it was put in place and secured atop the new gymnasium. As part of the tradition, a small tree and an American flag are attached to the beam. The exact history of the tree placement isn't understood completely, but there are a few tales about it.
The tree may be used as a way for builders to know when a wooden structure has cured and can be enclosed. Once the needles or leaves fall off the tree, they know it's good to go. In this case, the tree is just symbolic because this structure is steel. The tree has also been said to simply be the signal to the start of a celebration or to celebrate the completion of a portion of construction.
The Design: Hasting Family YMCA
The idea of the design is to take two buildings the YMCA is currently using in Hastings, NE and combine them into one beautiful new space that preserves the existing character while also increasing efficiency of the space and creating a safe, fun place for youth and adults to be.
"They'll be shocked. It will be completely transformed," said Architect Molly Macklin.








The ~91,000 square foot remodel and addition will include new offices, new conference rooms, new classrooms, a new design for the only enclosed pool in Hastings, NE, a new weight and fitness area that was once a gymnasium, and a new gymnasium with a walking track above it.
"The existing architecture and open space are inspiring and motivating," said Macklin about the design.
The construction of this project is expected to be completed next year.
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