Topping Out Ceremony at Cary Institute

MILLBROOK — If when driving along Route 44 in Millbrook one should spot a small pine tree and an American flag atop the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies building nearing Route 82, here’s why. It has to do with an old Scandinavian tradition, melded with a newer American tradition, and is all by way of celebrating the ongoing renovation and rebuilding of the institute, which started in the fall of 2020.

One tradition says that Viking chieftains would place an evergreen tree atop a building that was nearing completion as a signal that the celebration could begin. Another tradition credits the American Indian for it, as they believed no building should be taller than a tree, so tall buildings were topped with an evergreen to satisfy the forest spirits. The newer, American tradition, includes a steel beam and a flag. 

Fact: the Empire State Building had a Topping Out Celebration.

The Cary held its celebration on Thursday, March 18, via Zoom due to the COVID-19 health crisis, celebrating with more than 100 participants. Cary President Joshua Ginsberg introduced Scott and Pamela Ulm, co-chairs for the Cary Campaign. Ginsberg said he was pleased to announce that $1.3 million was raised of the $2 million goal. He also shared that no public fundraising had occurred before the initial investment of $11 million was accrued through grants, bequests and other means. 

Through a video, those watching witnessed a white painted beam, replete with the signatures of scientists and staff written on it, along with a small pine and an American flag, was hoisted to the roof level.

Ginsberg noted that the scientists at the Cary and their support staff are working on 21st science and environmental issues that impact the world, and the upgraded building will support their work. While the construction is reverting to the Cary’s original design, he anticipates that the new foyer will be elegant and easy to find. 

Rather than putting solar panels on the roof, the institute will be using renewable energy through the Bacon Triangle solar arrays adjacent to the campus. The original saw tooth roof will once again be restored, providing natural lighting.

It was noted that the original Cary building, designed by Malcolm Wells in 1978, was one of the first green buildings in the area. The architecture firm Beck & Beck, out of Westport, Conn., was hired to do the renovations and said the building had “good bones” but admitted that it wasn’t living up to its fullest potential. It has managed to bring the outside in, said the architects working on the project.

Ginsberg said that he has already had queries from other groups and institutions who would like to rent space at the Cary for meetings and conferences in the future.    

“People need more nature and more light,” he said. “I’d like to see the space created at the same caliber as the scientists who work there.”

Fortunately, there have been no major surprises thus far, no asbestos to deal with or other upsets, other than snow for two weeks straight to contend with. Although the work was planned to take place earlier on, even the pandemic worked to their advantage, as most of the staff has been working from home and the space has been unoccupied, so the renovation has been carried out without interruption. 

It’s been on budget and on time, which is fairly amazing and due to phenomenal management, Ginsberg said. The construction company, Consigli Construction Co., out of Pleasant Valley, is doing the work, headed by its chief engineer, Ian McClennon.

Ginsberg said he is looking forward to welcoming the staff back in late summer or early fall, with maybe a formal launch in March of 2022. The Cary is still seeking donations to reach its goal of $2 million, as there remains more work to be done. Yet the end is in sight, and as Ginsberg said, “It’s been a remarkable ride.”