UMD News

Director of Public Relations:
Susan Beasy Latto, slatto@d.umn.edu
315 Darland Administration Bldg.
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-8830 Cell: (218) 348-5688
Fax: (218) 726-7413

February 12, 2002

Contact:
Susan Beasy Latto, Director of Public Relations 218 726-8830
Greg Fox, Vice Chancellor of Finance and Operations 218 726-7102

In "Topping Off" ceremonies today, UMD Chancellor Kathryn A. Martin was hoisted up 80 feet in a construction bucket and placed a United States flag atop the steel dome of the Weber Music Hall being built on the campus. She also signed the top-most beam. Joining her were Craig Olson, President of Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council, and Ron Hanson, Vice President and General Manager of Boldt Construction, Minnesota Operations.

The "Topping Off" ceremony (a tradition in the construction trades) was held in celebration of the completion of the first half of the Weber Music Hall's steel dome, and the highest part of the building.

Chancellor Martin said, "This is indeed an exciting moment for two reasons. It is exciting to be up in the air, looking eye-level at the dome of this wonderful building, and it is equally exciting to envision the future and the impact this building will have on the cultural and educational life of UMD and the entire community."

The $9.2 million, 21,000 square foot music hall was designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli. The performance area will include a stage able to accommodate a 70 piece orchestra and seating for 350 (expandable to 425 seats). Construction was begun in June 2001. Completion is scheduled for Fall 2002.

Architects are Cesar Pelli, of Cesar Pelli and Associates of New Haven, Connecticut; and Stanius Johnson Architects of Duluth. The contractor is Oscar Boldt Construction of Cloquet.

For more information and updates on this project refer to the UMD website.
http://www.d.umn.edu/fm/
Click on Planning Design and Construction