Party marks near completion of NGCSU parking deck

DAHLONEGA — The company building a 236-space parking deck at North Georgia College & State University held a “topping out” party today to mark the project coming to an end.

The company treated its 130 workers and others associated with the work to lunch and some giveaways in the parking deck that sits off South Chestatee Street and next to the college.

David Potter, the college president, also thanked the workers during the event.

“It’s been a delight to watch it grow and see the dedication and commitment that you all have made to keep the project on time,” he said.

Bryan Rhoden, Winter Construction’s project superintendent, said, “There are still other items that need to be done ... but the bulk of the work is done.”

Winter plans to turn the deck over to NGCSU in July, he said.

The deck is the first phase of a project on the same site. On top of the deck, Winter will build a recreation center housing three basketball courts, a running track, a fitness area, two locker rooms, a bouldering and climbing wall.

The entire project will cost $26.5 million.