At least 100 dignitaries, donors and area residents joined Hunt Construction Group in the topping out ceremony for the Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center on Tuesday at University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s CEED Building.

Those turning out put their signatures on a 47-foot by 38-inch wide steel beam to be placed at the highest point of the 108,000-square-foot multi-story facility.

Being built off State Highway 191 and Farm-to-Market Road 1788, opening of the $89 million center is expected in 2012.

State Rep. Tom Craddick was the key to pushing $99 million in tuition revenue bonds through the Legislature three years ago that funded the performing arts center and a science and technology complex at UTPB. Other contributions were made by the UT System.

Funds for center also were donated fairly equally between Midland and Odessa, said Craddick, who attended the event with his wife, Nadine.

It will include an 1,800-seat, two-balcony performance hall and 200-seat primary theater. It also will feature classrooms for UTPB’s music program.

Construction manager is Hunt Construction Group, and architects are BOORA Architects of Portland, Ore., and Rhotenberry-Wellen Architects of Midland.

Architect Jim Rhotenberry confirmed the project is on schedule.

Topping out is a traditional ceremony to mark a milestone in construction of significant builds. Ironworkers have continued the topping out event because their skills make them the first to reach the pinnacle of a structure, information from UTPB says.

“I think it’s awesome,” said Rays of Hope Director Vicky Jay, who attended with her husband, Paul. “I took a picture so my kids will know we were part of something great for the Midland-Odessa community.”

Grant Billingsley, chairman of the steering committee that helped with the design and fundraising for the center, said the project is going “very well.”

“I think it’s an absolute demonstration of what can happen when these communities work together. There could hardly be any larger or more visible sign of what good things can happen,” Billingsley said.

Midland Mayor Wes Perry said “It was a very special day. I think about the investment and long-term impact of what it’s going to mean for the communities. … It’s proof we are working together when we have approximately the same amount of money raised.”