On TOP of their game

With little fanfare but plenty tradition, the third building at World Market Center marked the completion of its steel construction last week.

The short ceremony saw a steel beam signed by members of the construction crew and capped with a tree and figurine of Happy from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" holding an American flag hoisted to the top of building, where it was put in place.

The topping off ceremony can trace its origins to an ancient Scandinavian religion that saw a tree placed on the top of a new building to appease the tree-dwelling spirits that were displaced by the construction. More common in England and Germany, the ceremony was adopted by U.S. ironworkers working on the nation's skyscrapers. Today, the ceremony offers a chance to recognize those who worked on the building, including the union, as well as treat the crew to a meal.

A barbecue lunch rounded out last week's ceremonies.

According to PENTA Building Group, the general contractor named to build the $550 million structure, more than 2,500 construction workers and 60 ironworkers used 16,500 tons of steel to erect the 16-story structure.

Dave Palmer, general manager of the World Market Center, said the topping off was significant because it represented one more step in the realization of the behemoth building.

It is also significant in the growth it represents of the entire complex, Palmer said. When completed in July 2008, Building C will nearly double the number of permanent showrooms at the trade-show facility that caters to the home-furnishings industry. Measuring 2.1 million square feet, the building will have about 400 showrooms. Currently, 530 showrooms are housed in Buildings A and B.

"There will be a full complement of showrooms representing a good mix of manufacturers," Palmer said.

Babs Blair, director of leasing, said the tenants will include "a significant roster of leading brands. With World Market Center quickly becoming the preferred market for U.S. and international buyers, the demand among manufacturers continues to escalate. We are pleased to have commitments and interest for the entire building."

Among the companies set to open showrooms are Lexington, Sligh Furniture, Mohawk, Hellenic Rug Imports, Mark Roberts, Minka Lighting and Pacific Coast Lighting.

Additionally, existing tenants such as AICO, Standard and Coaster will be expanding their showrooms.

There will be floors dedicated to top furniture manufacturers including high-end furnishings, lighting products, rugs, holiday and seasonal décor, and textiles and fabrics.

The first five floors will become part of the Las Vegas Design Center that is open year-round to interior designers and those in the hospitality industry.

Palmer said one of the wonderful aspects of constructing the campus in phases is that the buildings can be molded to suit the needs of the manufacturers.

"We can basically build to suit the needs of our industry. The key is to listen properly."

In conjunction with the opening of Building C, a $60 million, seven-story parking garage with space for 3,600 vehicles will open. The garage was designed to allow up to 15 levels, as needed.