A few weeks back, we wrote here about the new Mother-Baby Center that is under construction in south Minneapolis – a unique collaboration between Abbott Northwestern Hospital and Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
The $50 million four-story facility will merge Abbott's labor, delivery and newborn nurseries with Children's intensive and special care nurseries and infant care center.
Well, on Monday, despite the day's blustery gust of damp weather, officials at both institutions participated in a "topping out" ceremony at the facility, which is located at 26th Street and Elliot Avenue.
For those who are not familiar with what is believed to be a Scandinavian tradition, it involves holding a ceremony when the last beam is placed at the top of a building that is under construction. Or it could occur when the last brick or masonry block is placed. Sometimes a tree or wreath is involved. Other times a flag is hoisted.
An Allina spokeswoman said construction is ahead of schedule, due to our warm winter. The center is expected to be open by early 2013.
Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.
