Wilhelm | Gilbane Celebrate Construction Safety Week and Topping Out Milestone at IU Health’s New Downtown Hospital
Indianapolis, IN – May 2025 – Gilbane Building, in joint venture with F.A. Wilhelm Construction, recently marked two significant events at the Indiana University Health project site: Construction Safety Week and the Topping Out Ceremony. These events unified the project team, trade partners, and leadership to recognize the importance of safety, collaboration, and progress on this transformative healthcare facility. The new 2.5+ million SF Downtown Indianapolis Hospital will serve as a hub for advanced care.
Construction Safety Week, held May 5–9, embraced the national theme “All in Together – Plan. Own. Commit.” Each day spotlighted a core safety principle, from meticulous planning to personal accountability and a commitment to excellence. The week featured engaging activities designed to empower and connect the workforce. Mornings began with Toolbox Talks, setting the tone for safety and collaboration. Highlights included the “Be a Good Neighbor” celebration with coffee and donuts, interactive vendor showcases from DeWalt, FallTech, HexArmor, and PCI, and daily catered lunches from locally owned businesses. Team members also received custom t-shirts and safety stickers, and many took part in signing the commemorative steel beam—a lasting symbol of their shared commitment to safety.
“Safety is more than a protocol—it’s a mindset,” said Tim St. Clair, Executive Director of Design and Construction at IU Health. “Construction Safety Week reminds us that every beam raised and every milestone reached is possible when we prioritize the well-being of every person on site. This team has done an exceptional job living that commitment every day.”
The highlight of the week was the topping-out ceremony, a tradition in construction that marks the building has reached its highest peak. Team members signed the beam with an American flag and a small evergreen tree, raising it into place as a symbol of good luck and continued safety. The ceremony featured remarks from IU Health and Wilhelm | Gilbane leadership.
The week’s events and the topping-out celebration reflected the strong culture of collaboration and care that defined the project. “This week was a celebration of what makes construction great—people coming together with purpose,” said Chris Ramsey, Site Safety Manager with F.A. Wilhelm. “From safety talks to the beam signing, every moment reinforced our culture of respect, responsibility, and relentless focus on doing things the right way.”
These milestones reflect the dedication, coordination, and craftsmanship of everyone involved. Wilhelm | Gilbane and their trade partners remain committed to building safely, working collaboratively, and delivering a world-class facility for the future of healthcare in Indiana.
About Gilbane Building
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from pre-construction planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide. Gilbane Building has a strong presence in Indiana, delivering complex, high-impact projects across healthcare, higher education, and public infrastructure. Gilbane is committed to building lasting partnerships and creating safe, innovative spaces that serve the community. For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.
About F.A. Wilhelm Construction
F.A. Wilhelm Construction is a legacy Contractor and Construction Management company with over 100 years of experience delivering uncompromising quality on projects across the country. As one of the Midwest’s largest employers of construction, we are capable of a diverse range of work, especially the more challenging projects—and specialize in crafting sustainable, impactful spaces where people live, work, learn, and thrive. Our success is built on a foundation of honesty, strong values, and a deep commitment to people, from clients and employees to subcontractors and industry peers. At Wilhelm, fostering meaningful relationships and supporting others is ingrained in our culture, and we proudly stand behind our work with integrity and purpose. At Wilhelm, we stand behind our work. To learn more about our people, projects, and the environments we work in, visit our website at www.FAWilhelm.com.