The Sherwin-Williams Company celebrated the ‘topping off’ of the company’s new global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, USA on 4 December. The milestone marks the completion of the construction project’s structural work, a project that began with the January 2022 groundbreaking ceremony.
A traditional part of the construction industry, topping-off ceremonies commemorate the safe, successful end of steel work with the placement of the final steel beam and recognise the accomplishments of the construction crew.
Sherwin-Williams said the beam was adorned with an American flag and an evergreen tree, symbolising good luck for future occupants; new or continued growth in concert with the environment; and a safe job, well done. The beam also bears the signatures of more than 600 construction workers, supervisors, project architects, engineers and designers, as well as local elected officials, Sherwin-Williams leaders and the company’s Building Our Future project leadership team.
Dignitaries signed the beam before it was raised by a crane into its final position.
“It is exciting to see the significant progress being made on our new global headquarters and we are so proud to be investing in the future of our company and the future of the region, which has been our home since 1866,” said John Morikis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sherwin-Williams.
Heidi Petz, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sherwin Williams, said: “We thank the talented construction crew for their dedication to working safely and consistently, and for successfully accomplishing this important project milestone. With this event, we are that much closer to moving into our state-of-the-art workplace designed to spark creativity and innovation that will serve our customers and retain and attract talent.”
Part of the company’s Building Our Future project, the approximately 1,000,000 square-foot (92,900 square-metre) facility will function as the front door to Cleveland Public Square and consist of a two-story pavilion, a 36-storey tower, and a multi-floorcar park. The headquarters will be home to approximately 4,000 Sherwin-Williams employees.
The project also includes the new Global Technology Center in Brecksville, which will be approximately 600,000 square feet (55,740 square metres) in size. Sherwin-Williams plans to invest a minimum of US$860 million in construction costs to build both facilities, which are expected to open by the end of 2024.
“We’ve been committed to this community for more than 157 years with a focus on creating opportunities for all,” said Petz. “We’re proud of our strategic collaboration with city, county and state leaders, and local organisations on this project. Our approach has resulted in workforce opportunities for many, including numerous minority-owned, female-owned and small businesses.”
As of November 2023, contracts on the project have been awarded to more than 100 certified firms totalling US$283 million.