Photos: Albright-Knox celebrates construction milestone
The steel frame is complete for the new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery continues its massive AK360 campus expansion project. Officials held a topping out ceremony to mark the occasion.
Up and away
The final steel beam is lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Namesake
Benefactor Jeffrey E. Gundlach speaks before the final steel beam is lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
Making their mark
Workers sign their names on the final steel beam before it is lifted to the top of the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Securing the load
A worker carefully affixes the rigging to the final steel beam before it is lifted to the top of the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
All dressed up
Ironworkers Josh Elliott, left, and Pat Kelly of Contour Steel Erectors dressed for the occasion as they wait for the final steel beam to be lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Fits like a glove
Ironworker Clint Crouse of Contour Steel Erectors guides the final steel beam into position atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Buildin, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
Marking a milestone
Workers look on as the final steel beam is lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Last beam lifted
The final steel beam is lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Balancing act
Ironworker Clint Crouse of Contour Steel Erectors gestures to the crane operator as the final steel beam is lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion.Â
Excited director
Albright-Knox Director Janne Siren speaks during the topping out ceremony for the new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Ready for the lift
Workers carefully affix the rigging to the final steel beam before it is lifted to the top of the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building during a topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
Man with a plan
Shohei Shigematsu, the lead architect for the AK360 project, center, applauds during the topping out ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame of the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Upper deck view
A worker on scaffolding pauses to take a photograph as State Sen. Sean Ryan speaks during the topping out ceremony for the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul
Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during the topping out ceremony for the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
Gundlach made it happen
Benefactor Jeffrey E. Gundlach speaks before the final steel beam is lifted into place atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Steel frame complete
Ironworkers affix the final steel beam into position atop the Albright-Knox's new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, which is under construction amid the gallery's AK360 campus expansion, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Sharing a moment together
Benefactor Jeffrey E. Gundlach and Barbara Van Every chat with Shohei Shigematsu, the lead architect for the AK360 project, after a ceremony to mark the completion of the steel frame of the new Jeffrey E. Gundlach Building, Wednesday, July 7, 2021.Â
Museum Director Janne Siren voiced optimism about governments unloosening their purse strings, as the pandemic recedes, and the community's response to Jeffrey Gundlach's $2.5 million matching grant offer.
