The University of Southern Maine (USM) has celebrated a construction milestone with a topping-off ceremony for its new Crewe Center for the Arts on the Portland campus, US.  

The event was attended by university leaders, students, and founding donors, alongside the project's design-and-build team. 

The design-and-build team includes Consigli, Pfeiffer Partners Architects, and Oak Point Associates.  

Attendees signed the steel beam before it was hoisted into position by a crane. 

Consigli Construction project executive Chris Brown said: “Today’s topping-off of the new Crewe Center for the Arts is a milestone that represents an important moment for both our project team and the University of Southern Maine community. 

“It commemorates not just the dedication and hard work that has gone into construction thus far, but it also symbolises Consigli’s continued commitment to excellence in delivering an impactful project that will benefit USM’s students, faculty and staff for many years to come.” 

The $63m Crewe Center for the Arts is set to become the new home of the USM's Dr. Alfred and D. Suzi Osher School of Music.  

The project has been funded via philanthropy, including a record $10m gift from Osher and more than $6m from the Crewe Foundation.  

Meanwhile, Maine Governor Janet Mills and the Maine Legislature have allocated $9m from ongoing capital funding for the University of Maine System towards this initiative. 

Set for completion in late 2025, the centre is expected to enhance the USM's Osher School of Music's enrolment and influence.  

The new arts centre aims for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification, reflecting the USM's commitment to sustainability.