Another Cornell tower has been crowned. In late September last semester, Olive Tjaden Hall's southwest tower was fitted with a new steeple. Last week Sage Hall's west tower was capped with an elaborate re-creation of the spire that adorned it some 50 years ago.
Shortly before 10:30 a.m. March 3, a massive crane lifted the 35-foot spire about 100 feet into the air, where it dangled for more than 15 minutes as workers readied the locking device inside the tower. About 100 onlookers, who gathered despite the chilly temperatures, applauded as the spire was finally seated on the tower.
"We needed a dry, windless day in March, and we got it," said Bob Stundtner, Cornell project manager. "We also got a bit of drama, plenty of excitement and stiff necks. Everybody here is enjoying another special moment in the history of Sage, the Johnson School and the university."
Once workers securely fastened the spire to the tower, a 13-foot ornate brass and metal finial, designed by Charlie Maira of the Hillier Group and built by Tony Masuta with help from his co-workers in the Cornell Sheetmetal Shop, was placed atop the spire.
Stundtner said designers relied on archival photos to create exact replicas of the spire and finial. "One of our goals in renovating Sage Hall was to pay close attention to its historical nature and to restore the building to what it looked like during its heyday.
"I think the entire renovation of Sage, not just the erection of the spire and finial, demonstrate how dramatically grand this building is again," he said.
Sage Hall was built in 1873 as a residence hall for women. Its occupants have changed over the years; most recently it was home to the Graduate School. But next month, the building's newest resident, the Johnson Graduate School of Management, will begin to set up shop. Summer courses are already scheduled to take place in the building.
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