Columbia, S.C. — Mashburn Construction holds topping out party for Aloft Hotel in the Vista

Mashburn Construction held a topping out party at the new Aloft Hotel located on Lady Street on May 11 from noon until 2 p.m. "Topping out" is an age-old tradition of raising a tree atop a building to signify it has reached its final height while interior construction continues. On taller structures the tree is often replaced with a flag pole or vertical steel beam.

Mashburn Construction raised a tree atop the 70,000 square foot hotel. The facility will offer 107 rooms and public spaces include: reception; buffet style food area; communication stations; exercise area; meeting spaces and a bar. A double-sided fire place will serve the bar area and outside seating area. Also included are support areas for the function of the facility. Portions of the structure are structural columns and beams with concrete on metal deck at the lower levels.

The balance of the structure is structural metal stud walls with concrete poured on metal deck. The highest architectural feature of the building has a structural steel frame. The facade is a brick and Arriscraft stone with accents of Nichiha Panels at the entries. The facade and main entrances at the corner of Lincoln and Lady is made of architectural metal panels.