Beam me up! Carmel invites public to beam topping ceremony at new CPD expansion

Photo illustration provided by City of Carmel

The City of Carmel will hold a “beam topping” ceremony at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 as part of the new building to house the Carmel Police Department, City Court, and Clerk’s Office.

The public is invited to attend and sign the beam before it is placed. It will be available from 1 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8 and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9.

The beam can be accessed by entering the site from Veterans Way and walking through the exterior covered walkway on the south side of the building. The beam will be in an area of the future garage that will be fenced off from construction activity.

To view the beam being lifted in place on Friday afternoon, please gather in the parking lot of the Turner Jeffrey Building at 1030 S. Range Line Road.

The last steel beam placed is a major milestone in the evolution of a building project. This milestone is commemorated by painting the beam white and having the steel workers, construction team, designers, owners and other dignitaries sign the beam for posterity.

The renovation and additions will help meet the pressures of the ever-growing city. The original Carmel Police Department building was designed in 1988 and served a population of roughly 25,000 residents that has grown to serve over 100,000 residents today. The new building will triple the capacity of the existing structure and provide space for future growth.

The addition will also house the City Court and Clerk’s Office and the necessary programs accompanied by them to serve the community for generations to come.