All of the space on the steel beam is taken up by the signatures of Sea Isle officials and residents.
One by one, they picked up black magic markers and signed their names to a steel beam during what was a major milestone in the construction of Sea Isle City’s $21 million community recreation center.
Most of the Sea Isle officials and residents on hand for the “topping off” ceremony on a frigid Monday morning wrote their names without any fanfare. But there was one signature that stood out: “Santa Claus … North Pole,” it said.
Yes, even Santa, in his flowing white beard and trademark red suit, hat and black boots, took some time away from his hectic Christmas preparations at the North Pole to take part in Sea Isle’s celebration.
“Merry Christmas!” Santa beckoned to everyone.
A topping-off ceremony, an old tradition steeped in hope and symbolism, celebrates the moment when the final steel beam is put into place in the construction of a new building.
Construction workers attached an American flag to the community center’s last steel beam and then hoisted it into place on the top of the building using a massive construction crane.
“This is a historic day,” Mayor Leonard Desiderio declared amid applause from onlookers.
The last beam symbolically completes the community center’s steel superstructure and will allow construction crews to next pour the concrete slabs for the floors, install the roof and enclose the interior as work continues through the winter.
Jason Marable, project superintendent for Ernest Bock & Sons Inc., the building’s construction contractor, said work continues on schedule heading toward a grand opening in the autumn of 2025.
“I’m excited. I think it’s going to look great. It’s exciting to see it go up instead of just looking at it on paper,” Marable said of the transition from planning documents to actual construction.
A massive construction crane looms over the community center.The project went through a number of iterations before the final concept was created following several years of planning, discussion and community input. The design reflects the facility’s dual role as a community center and recreation facility.
Among the amenities, there will be a large gymnasium, indoor walkway and workout space for recreation. The building will also include space that local community groups may use for meetings, events and other activities. A theater and stage will be included.
Desiderio, who signed his name “Mayor Len Desiderio” to the steel beam, said the community center promises to be a centerpiece of Sea Isle for generations to come. He acknowledged feeling “very, very emotional” while watching the beam put into place.
“This is a long time coming and having this ceremony today means that we’re on our way and hopefully within a year we’ll all be enjoying this new building,” he said in an interview.
Desiderio also predicted that the community center will make Sea Isle not only “the envy” of Cape May County, but all of South Jersey. He said he believes it is the only new community center under construction in the entire state now.
“What I’ve heard is, ‘Wow, you’re building this?’ Yes, we’re building this for the people of Sea Isle City, the visitors of Sea Isle City for decades and decades and decades to come,” he said.
Sea Isle City Mayor Leonard Desiderio adds his signature to the steel beam.Architectural renderings of the community center show a glossy facade overlooking Central Avenue. A material resembling red brick will also cloak the front of the building as part of the attractive architecture to blend in with the surrounding neighborhood.
Tucked underneath the building will be a parking facility with 40 spaces. The parking will be above flood level.
To make room for construction of the community center, the city demolished the old Sea Isle City Public School at 4501 Park Road last year. The community center will occupy the same footprint of the old school on the block bordered by Park Road, Central Avenue, 45th Street and 46th Street.
Sea Isle had the demolition contractor save the mature trees that surrounded the old school. The plan is to incorporate the trees in the new landscaping designs for the community recreation center.
Check out these photos from Sea Isle City's Topping Off Ceremony for the new Community Center.
