By John Johnston
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Iron worker David Goodrich of Forest City Erectors signs the last steel beam Thursday to top out the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He also worked on the two new stadiums. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

Michael Jackson of Westwood made sure to sign his name to the ceremonial beam hoisted into place Thursday at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

The bricklayer said he had pleaded with his boss to allow him to work at the riverfront construction site. "I told him I wanted to be on this project and let my kids know I had a part in it."

Feelings of pride and accomplishment were abundant as the Freedom Center held a "topping out" ceremony marking the completion of concrete and steel framing for the 158,000-square-foot structure, scheduled to open in summer 2004. Three interconnected buildings will make up the largest museum in the country dedicated to the informal network that helped slaves reach freedom in the years leading to the Civil War.

Construction workers and city leaders listened as Spencer Crew, Freedom Center executive director and CEO, acknowledged that many people helped the center reach this point, including donors, volunteers, government officials, architects and civic leaders.

"In many ways, though, this day really belongs to the men and women of the construction team," Crew said. "You are really a world-class team of craftspeople who are bringing this city a national treasure."

Crew noted that Harriet Beecher Stowe, author Uncle Tom's Cabin and a Cincinnati resident from 1832 to 1850, once focused the world's attention on freedom seekers crossing the Ohio River.

"In 2004, thanks to the efforts of all of you,'' Crew said, "the world's attention will again focus on the Ohio River and an international monument to freedom."

The $110 million project is within budget and on schedule, said project manager Jerry Warren.

Robert "Chip" Harrod is executive director of the National Conference for Community and Justice (founded as the National Conference of Christians and Jews), which proposed the Freedom Center in 1994.

"It's an awesome realization of a vision," he said. "I look around and I see this racially diverse workforce. It really vindicates why we're doing the Freedom Center."

The ceremonial beam was painted white by ironworkers and adorned with the traditional evergreen and U.S. flag. As it was hoisted to the Freedom Center's west pavilion and set in place, ironworker Bill Dems snapped pictures.

"For us it's the end of a pretty long road," the Cleveland resident said. "It was a long, cold winter, and I might get to go home pretty soon."

But he'll not forget the Freedom Center. "This is one-of-a-kind in the country. It's a big deal for me to be part of this project."

E-mail jjohnston@enquirer.com