The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority recently held a top out ceremony, celebrating the completion of the steel frame, at the new Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) in South Boston. More than 26,000 tons (23,400 t) of steel has been placed — enough steel to fill five 14-story buildings.

Clark/Hunt/Berry, a joint venture between The Clark Construction Group Inc., of Bethesda, MD; Huber Hunt & Nichols of Indianapolis, IN; and William A. Berry Construction of Danvers, MA, is serving as construction manager on the $460-million project.

Since the project began in 1999, more than 1,400 tradespeople representing 20 unions have safely worked more than one-million hours at the site.

“Seven years ago, we had a vision for the Boston waterfront — and we now have a state-of-the-art convention center, built by Boston’s union labor workers, which will serve as an economic engine for our city,” said Boston Mayor Tom Menino.

Designed by HNTB/Rafael Vinoly Architects, the BCEC will be the largest building in New England, containing a total of 1.7 million sq. ft. (157,935 sq m) of air conditioned space. It features 516,000 sq. ft. (47,938 sq m) of continuous exhibition space on one level, 160,000 sq. ft. (14,864 sq m) of meeting space, including 86 meeting rooms and a 41,000-sq.-ft. (3,809 sq m) ballroom with picturesque views of the city skyline and Boston Harbor.

The facility is located only eight minutes by car from Boston’s Logan International Airport and steps from rapid transit lines as subway systems are extended to reach the BCEC.

The project is scheduled for completion in June 2004 and more than 130 groups are holding dates for events. When it opens, the BCEC will be the flagship property of a newly restored South Boston Waterfront. In keeping with Boston’s reputation as “America’s Walking City,” visitors will be close to Faneuil Hall and other downtown attractions when the Central Artery, Boston’s elevated highway, is demolished. Clark’s Boston office is managing the project.