MANCHESTER, CT — Construction on the new Manchester Public Library hit a major milestone this week as the last large steel beam was hoisted into place during a traditional “topping off” ceremony held Monday.

Town officials, project managers, and construction crews gathered at the downtown site on Main Street to celebrate the completion of the building’s structural framework. The final steel beam, painted white, was signed by construction workers, town leaders, and guests before being lifted to the building’s highest point where two workers secured it in place.

The topping-off marks the end of structural work and the beginning of the next major phases, which will include installing the exterior walls, windows, interior finishes, and the building’s many modern features.

The new library is taking shape at 1041 Main Street, the former site of a Webster Bank branch that was demolished to clear the way for the massive 76,000-square-foot facility.

The project — which has been described by town officials as “decades in the making” — represents a significant investment in the community’s future. The library is expected to become a hub for learning, events, and public gathering for decades to come.

Funding for the $50 million project has come from multiple sources: $2.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, $5 million from the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund, $3.5 million through the state Community Investment Fund, and approximately $39 million in municipal bonds.

Designed by Friar HMB Architecture, the new library will include expansive reading areas, flexible event spaces, technology labs, meeting rooms, and community gathering zones. Connecticut- and Rhode Island-based O & G Industries is overseeing construction management.

The project broke ground in early April, transforming what was once a vacant lot into one of Manchester’s most visible construction sites. Over the next several months, passersby can expect to see rapid progress as crews shift their focus to enclosing the structure and outfitting the interior.

When complete, the new library is set to replace the existing Mary Cheney Library, bringing expanded services and amenities to residents. Local leaders say it will offer more community meeting space, improved technology access, and upgraded resources for students, families, and lifelong learners.

The building’s prominent location in Downtown Manchester is also expected to spur additional revitalization in the area, providing a modern community anchor at the heart of Main Street.

More updates on the library’s opening timeline, new features, and community programming will be announced as construction continues.

Originally reported by Chris Dehnel in Patch.