The Novus team celebrated a monumental milestone on Thursday by “topping out” the final piece of steel on Durham’s first downtown high-rise project.

Topping Out Ceremony Highlights
Keeping with construction tradition, Samet joined city officials, trade partners, and project collaborators to mark this significant event. The celebration featured food, music, and raffle prizes, culminating in the hoisting of an evergreen to the top of the structure.

Durham Mayor Leonardo Williams spoke at the event, emphasizing the local economic impact of the Novus project. Representatives from Samet, Global Holdings, Austin Lawrence Partners, and LS3P also shared their support and praised the progress made through their partnership.

Historical Significance of the Topping Out Tradition
The Topping Out ceremony is a long-standing tradition in the construction industry, with origins dating back to 6th century Scandinavia. Historically, the final beam of a building was placed and topped with grains or a tree for religious purposes.

Project Details and Future Impact
Upon completion, the 27-story high-rise will feature:

• 54 Condominiums
• 188 Apartments
• Retail Spaces on the Ground Floor

This development is set to transform Durham’s skyline and contribute significantly to the local economy.