Western State Hospital tops out as officials celebrate construction milestone

Michael Marchand, senior director of communications and government affairs for the Department of Social and Health Services, opened a topping-out ceremony for the new Western State Hospital and thanked Clark Construction, trade partners and the craft workers on site. "The topping out ceremony marks a significant construction milestone," Marchand said, and introduced Governor Bob Ferguson and agency leaders who offered remarks.

Governor Bob Ferguson and DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez described the project as a major investment in Washington state behavioral health services. Eric Olson of Clark Construction highlighted the labor scale and schedule, saying the team had committed to deliver "on time and on budget." After remarks, officials and guests were invited to sign the final beam that will become part of the completed building.