Monday, April 23, 2007

topping out



Rock Spring, Ga. It's the tallest building 'round these parts. Rock Spring, Georgia has one traffic light, a post office, a few stores and restaurants. The new Covenant Bank building dominates the skyline, reaching its tallest point on Friday, April 20th.

"It's official...the tree is on top!! For those of you not familiar with the tradition of putting a tree on the peak of the building when "topped out", it has been around for centuries and is especially fitting for Carpenters. Steel workers sometimes attach a flag to the highest piece of steel as it is raised to be installed...but since I am a carpenter by background....this felt most appropriate." - Buddy Tidwell, job superintendent.

Tidwell, born and raised in Atlanta, comes from a long line of family carpenters and worked his way up through the apprentice program at the Carpenters 225 Local Union in Atlanta. He is on the job site from start to finish, from the original grading to the final inspection - and beyond, staying after the client moves in to insure a smooth transition. He is a hands-on superintendent, often donning his tool belt and doing 'whatever it takes' to get the job done. Tidwell tries to use local supplies and craftsman whenever possible, and recently traded with the Plymart across the street for the entire lumber package.

Covenant Bank is working out of their temporary office in Rock Spring, and according to Trent Sanford, Covenant Bank president, business has really picked up since the new building started. The Covenant Bank building will be a 'twin' of the New Horizons Bank in Ellijay, Georgia, also built by Tidwell, and will be a welcome addition to Walker County.

spring