Special Beam Lifted For 'Remarkable' Will County Courthouse

JOLIET, IL - Will County politicians gathered Friday morning to blare music over the loud speakers from the 1985 hit song by Starship, "We Built This City." The event was dubbed the official "topping off" ceremony. A steel beam, signed by everyone in attendance including several judges, Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow and many others, was lifted to the top of the 10-story structure still under construction.

The morning ceremony marked a substantial milestone in the 10-month-long construction project.

The event included speaking appearances from Will County Executive Larry Walsh, Chief Judge Richard Schoenstedt, County Board Speaker Jim Moustis of Frankfort, County Board member Ray Tuminello of New Lenox and Joliet City Councilwoman Jan Quillman.

Tuminello said Friday's raising of the steel beam was a lot like the anticipation for Christmas when family members gather to put up their Christmas tree and place the angel or star atop of the tree.

"I can't wait for two years from now when we cut the ribbon for the building," Tuminello told everyone.

Walsh assured everyone that construction remains on schedule and under budget. The union laborers have already logged 115,000 safe hours on the project, he said.

"These guys have the absolute hardest job out here," Walsh declared.

The new $215 million Will County Courthouse "will encourage more economic development. We are proud to be part of the revival of downtown Joliet," Walsh said.

As the event drew to a close, the crowd consisting of local politicians, several union laborers as well as a number of judges and courthouse employees were handed a commemorative sweatshirt that they can wear as a keepsake to celebrate the milestone event for Will County government.

The new courthouse is expected to open for business in 2020.

Images via John Ferak/Joliet Patch Editor