Ribbon-Cutting

SELCO Thurston branch ribbon-cutting ceremony, April 29, 2019 (all photos by me unless otherwise noted)

For architects, one of the most enjoyable and satisfying days of a project is when the ribbon-cutting ceremony takes place. Though lampooned for their tendency toward showering praise and honor upon non-participants (see the “Six Phases of a Project”), a ribbon-cutting ceremony is most often truly rewarding for everyone who had a hand in making the project a success. The event marks the successful conclusion of the construction phase and the commencement of the completed project’s life in use. The ceremony is an opportunity for everybody involved to celebrate a job well-done. 

Ribbon-cutting ceremonies find their origins in centuries-old wedding customs, which likewise symbolize new beginnings. In some European traditions, a ribbon placed over the door of a couple’s new home denoted the beginning of their life together. Today, it is a city’s chamber of commerce that often organizes a ribbon-cutting ceremony when a member business opens a new location. While ribbons tied together may symbolize the bond between a bride and her groom, the cutting of a ribbon signifies a business’ fresh start. 

Along with my Robertson/Sherwood/Architects colleague Andy Drake, I recently attended the ribbon-cutting for the opening of SELCO Community Credit Union’s new Thurston branch in Springfield. The Springfield Chamber of Commerce organized the event, which attracted numerous chamber members, local media, SELCO employees and board members, and several of the tradespeople who made the project a reality. 

Andy and I designed the extensive renovation of an existing 1990s stand-alone bank building. Our design response transformed the dated appearance of the former bank by applying a fresh, customer-friendly, and contemporary aesthetic that reinforces SELCO’s strong branding. The builder was McKenzie Commercial Contractors, ably led by Chad Blilie (project manager) and Gordon Rea (superintendent). 

The SELCO Thurston branch before its renovation . . 

. . . and after.

This was our first completed project for SELCO, who proved to be an exemplary client. SELCO’s management team afforded us considerable leeway to develop a design that would reflect its culture as a not-for-profit consumer cooperative and appeal to its broad membership. We’re looking forward to building upon our success with the Thurston branch renovation and the prospect of assisting SELCO with future projects. 

Another view of the renovated interior (photo by Andy Drake)

I am fascinated by many of the time-honored customs associated with buildings and construction. Groundbreaking and topping out ceremonies, burying of commemorative time capsules, and ribbon-cuttings are rich with symbolism and tradition. These rituals contribute significantly to our cultural fabric, memorializing the acts of building and occupancy, and imbuing them with social significance.