“Topping out” is the term used by ironworkers to indicate that the final piece of steel is being hoisted into place on a building, bridge, or other large structure. The project is not completed, but it has reached its maximum height. To commemorate this first milestone, the final piece of iron was hoisted into place with an American flag. The beam is painted white and signed by the project workers, community dignitaries and Methodist Healthcare employees.

Members of the Stone Oak community and Methodist Healthcare officials celebrated at a “pre-topping off” party on June 14.

Through the month of May, the project continued to progress steadily with steel going up through the fifth floor. The site work saw an increase in placement of curbs and paved parking. Site utilities have been completed and are now moving south along the loop road. The highest beam was erected June 15.

Quick Facts:

• Since the project began last fall, the site has had 30.34 inches of rain; 5.57 in May
• 95 percent of slab on grade poured
• 70 pecent of curbs placed
• masonry color mock-up is up
• fireproofing of steel has begun

A recruitment phone line is now available for anyone in the community who is interested in applying for a position at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital. Please dial (210) 638-4473 (HIRE) to leave a full name, telephone number, address and area of specialty. A recruiter will return the call.

It seems like yesterday that we were onsite with our Methodist Stone Oak Hospital Community Advisory Panel (MSOH CAP) watching the first two steel beams being raised at our Acropolis Night. Here we are today raising the highest steel beam, a construction milestone that we celebrate with the “Topping Out” party, where team members have the opportunity to sign the beam and commemorate the experience.

We share our ceremony night with the Spurs winning their fourth championship. Go Spurs Go! I love the Spurs because they are a team first, which is why I believe they are so successful. Just like the Spurs, we are taking a “team first” approach in building the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital, the Hospital of the Future, where we bring together high tech and high touch.

Some of our “team first” members include our Methodist Healthcare System Board of Governors, Methodist Healthcare System Community Board, SKANSK USA, HOK, MSOH CAP, and my team.

In closing, I know that it is not just bricks and mortar that make a hospital but the people and compassionate care that they deliver.

—Dean