This morning, ironworkers celebrated the “topping off” at the Eighth and Main Tower in downtown Boise. Business and political leaders watched as the final beam was placed at the top of the 18-story building.
Visitors to the private event signed their names before the beam was hoisted above the city’s skyline.
Speaking from the windy rooftop, developer Kem Gardner thanked construction workers who have been building the Tower.
“We all knew that that hole in Boise was holding back the development of the community and that it needed to be filled," Gardner says. "But we could also fill the hole that was in the hearts of a lot of downtown businessmen that were wondering about the growth of this community.”
Known unofficially as “The Hole,” the lot at 8th and Main has been vacant since 1987. Mayor Dave Bieter says he is happy to finally have an answer to questions of when the lot will be occupied.
All of the building’s retail space has been leased, and construction is set to end in January. With a spire at the top of the Tower, it will become the tallest building in Idaho.
Copyright 2013 Boise State Public Radio
