Mortenson, along with Central Arizona Project (CAP), celebrated a construction milestone on May 6 with a special “Topping Over” ceremony at CAP’s new Water Education Center. The 32,000-square-foot facility will be the first building to span the CAP canal, which delivers Colorado River water to the area in central and southern Arizona where nearly six million residents reside. The “topping over” reimagines the traditional “topping out” milestone, marking the placement of the final steel beam completing the span across the canal.
“This milestone reflects the commitment and care our team brings to the project every day,” said Andy Aguero, senior superintendent at Mortenson. “Executing over an active canal requires a relentless focus on safety, so it’s especially meaningful to reach this point as we celebrate Construction Safety Week and recognize the people who make projects like this possible.”
READ MORE: Water Education Center will show public CAP’s impact
Designed by Jones Studio, the center will feature indoor exhibits, flexible gathering spaces, and a large outdoor plaza overlooking the water. The facility will support community education, stakeholder engagement, board meetings, and school programming, offering hands-on experiences that connect visitors to Arizona’s water history.
“Reaching this point is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the entire team,” said Alicia Duffy, senior project manager with Mortenson. “Constructing across an active canal requires thoughtful engineering, precise coordination and a shared commitment to safety, and we’re proud to help deliver a space that will educate and engage the community around Arizona’s most vital resource.”
The new facility is located adjacent to CAP’s headquarters, north of Pinnacle Peak Road and west of 7th Street. Once complete in Spring 2027, the Water Education Center will serve as a destination for learning, collaboration, and connection around one of Arizona’s most critical resources.
