As the final structural beam for The Sherman Tower was lifted into place Wednesday, guests looked up.

They watched, took pictures, rang bells and cheered. Everyone seemed to sense it was a special moment on a special day.

"This is a milestone," said Brad Hagadone, president of the Hagadone Corp., on a sunny morning. 

Hagadone said the 16-story Sherman Tower on Sherman Avenue with sweeping views of Lake Coeur d'Alene is the Hagadone Corporation's "best investment for us to make for the future.

"All these great families and employees, they are family," he said. 

About 75 people attended the 30-minute topping-off ceremony that is a time-honored tradition to mark the placement of the final structural beam, "symbolizing the successful completion of the tower's framework and honoring the many individuals whose vision, leadership and craftsmanship have brought the project to life." 

Garco is the project contractor for the hotel.

Project stakeholders and leaders signed the beam before it was placed on top of The Sherman Tower, which will feature 139 lakeview guest rooms, three luxury suites, a lobby cafe and lounge, fitness and business centers, and a rooftop restaurant with retractable glass walls. It is scheduled to open next spring. 

Bill Reagan, president of The Coeur d'Alene Resort, said construction of The Sherman Tower has benefited the economy by creating jobs and boosting spending at local businesses. 

"When the tower opens, that investment doesn't stop," he said.   

Reagan said guests will visit retailers and restaurants year-round. 

"This tower isn't simply adding rooms. It's helping position Coeur d'Alene to compete with the finest destinations in the country while remaining true to what makes this place special," he said. 

Reagan praised the workers who poured the concrete, set the steel, installed windows and worked on the interior. He said most people will never know their names. 

"But all of us will know. Every guest who walks through these doors will benefit from the craftsmanship and pride each of you has put into this project," he said. "Thank you for believing in the project, thank you for your dedication and thank you for helping build another chapter in the story of The Coeur d'Alene Resort and our community." 

John Barlow, Hagadone Corp. director of corporate development, has overseen the project and was there in 1985 when similar rooftop ceremony was held for The Coeur d'Alene Resort. 

He said the late Duane Hagadone had a vision decades ago to transform the timber and mining town into a major destination.  

"Of course, the one thing that made it all happen is the lake," Barlow said. "And that's why we're here again today." 

Looking around the thriving area today, with strong recreation and tourism industries, that vision became reality. 

Barlow said over the years, the company considered other plans for another downtown hotel that didn't work out. 

"I think a lot of it has to do with what it's supposed to be, what it was meant to be, what God intended it to be," he said. "This is where this tower belongs."

The Sherman Tower sits between First and Second Street on Sherman Avenue, across the street from The Resort.

Barlow said he and Reagan sat down 3 years ago and sketched out a tower.

"It actually looks pretty close to the sketch," he said.

Barlow said it's more than a hotel.

"This is a special building that's being done very carefully and articulately," he said. 

Barlow said one of Duane Hagadone's favorite words was "sizzle." 

"I'm happy to let you know, when you see the finished project next spring, you'll see a lot of sizzle." 

Barlow said the project has gone well because everyone involved works as a team.  

"We constantly find, as construction does, new challenges every day, and we solve them every day," he said. 

Barlow said more challenges will arise.

"But as a team, we'll all work together, and I thank God I have the opportunity to be here," he said.  

Brad Hagadone said he was proud of Sherman Tower, how it evolved, and those behind it.  

"I'm just so excited about the future of what this is going to be," he said. 

    Hagadone Corp. leaders pose with the final structural beam for The Sherman Tower before it is put in place on Wednesday. From left, John Barlow, Bill Reagan, Brad Hagadone, Todd Hagadone and Mont Garman.
  

    The view from The Sherman Tower on Wednesday.
  

    The final structural beam of The Sherman Tower is put into place on Wednesday.
  

    John Barlow smiles during Wednesday's topping-off ceremony at The Sherman Tower.