Last week, we joined Hourigan Construction, UVA leadership, and the project team to celebrate a major milestone: the final steel beam was lifted into place atop the Karsh Institute building in the Emmet-Ivy Corridor.
The topping-out ceremony marks a key construction milestone, symbolizing the completion of the Karsh building’s structural frame. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, the event included the placement of a final steel beam—adorned with an evergreen tree and American flag and signed by team members and Karsh Institute Executive Director Melody Barnes. This gesture honors the collective efforts of everyone involved and reflects themes of safety, unity, and shared achievement.
2RW is proud to have provided the MEP engineering that ensures HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and electrical systems come together for this dynamic, future-forward space. The Karsh Institute will stand as an educational ecosystem—fostering collaboration among scholars, students, and the Batten School—rooted in UVA’s legacy yet pushing democratic dialogue forward.
A special thanks to all partners—from Hourigan and UVA Facilities Management, to architects Höweler + Yoon and Hanbury—and to every tradesperson whose dedication brought us to this moment.
What’s next? With structural framing complete, we’ll shift into interior fit-out alongside mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Stay tuned as the Karsh Institute moves closer to a 2026 completion.
