Jackson County officials and employees joined Vannoy Construction and other construction crews and officials for a “Topping Out” ceremony Thursday morning at the new Jackson County Administration Building project underway on Skyland Drive.
The Topping Out ceremony is a construction tradition celebrating the placement of the final beam at the highest point of a building, marking the completion of its structural frame, honoring the workers involved, and celebrating its unique construction milestone.
Those present signed their name on the white beam before it was hoisted to its position at the top of the structure. A small evergreen tree was placed on the beam, symbolizing growth, life, and protection. An American flag was also proudly hoisted.
Earlier in April, a groundbreaking ceremony was held.
County Manager Kevin King, Jackson County, said he is excited to see the construction of the new building as a place for residents to tend to various county services. “Being located next to the Skyland Service Center where other county services are already provided will certainly make this new location more convenient for our residents to efficiently manage their county needs and services.”
Those county departments currently in the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building located at 401 Grindstaff Cove Road in Sylva that will relocate to the new building include Jackson County Administration, Human Resources, Economic Development, Information Technology, Finance, Tax Administration, and Register of Deeds. The License Plate Agency will also relocate to the new building from its current location at the Skyland Service Center.
The departments that will house the current Jackson County Justice Center will be the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Detention, DA’s Office, Probation, and Superior Clerk of Court.
The nearly 35,000 square-foot, two-story Jackson County Administration Building is anticipated to be completed in July 2027.
