Beam Signing Ceremony Marks Milestone at Appleby College Project

On a brisk afternoon in April, there was a beehive of activity at The Cockwell Hall project site at Appleby College. But it wasn’t workers with tools and equipment; it was students, staff and donors—Sharpies in hand—gathered around steel beams to leave their mark on a transformational space for the school community.

A beam signing ceremony was held on April 15^th to celebrate the completion of the structural framing phase of the building’s construction. Throughout the afternoon and evening, school community members took turns signing their name on one of four structural beams that were carefully—and safely!—placed on display for the special event organized by staff and Dalton.

The event included a reception attended by donors and other members of the School’s community. School Principal Innes van Nostrand gave an inspiring speech that provided greater context on how the new, state-of-the-art building will be an impactful, innovative and transformative addition to the campus. Randy Dalton also addressed the small gathering and highlighted how teamwork, trust and strong leadership have been important factors in the project’s success to date.

Designed by MJMA Architecture & Design, Cockwell Hall will consist of eight classrooms, a 135-square-metre innovation and technology lab, and a residence building with eight dorms and one Don room. The building will also feature sustainable design elements, including the integration of geothermal heating and cooling systems, as well as solar power systems.