Knightdale — Despite a fire at the construction site the night before, Rex employees, Knightdale residents and construction workers sat down together for a meal Friday at the new Rex facility’s topping off ceremony.

Topping off is an ancient construction tradition that marks when the highest structure in the building’s construction is reached.

The building is expected to be complete next May.

At the ceremony, an evergreen is placed on the final beam to symbolize that construction has gone well. It also symbolizes growth and good luck. An American flag also is attached to the beam to represent patriotism and respect for the workers.

“We’re very exited about Rex coming to our community not only because of the services you bring, but the people you bring,” said Knightdale Mayor Russell Killen.

Rex Healthcare President David Strong told of Rex employee Nancy Early who was riding down Knightdale Boulevard Thursday night, saw the fire and reported it to the Knightdale fire department.

“It was pretty impressive fire,” said Fire Chief Tim Guffey. “When you’ve got materials on the roof like that, you can see it from the road.”

Guffey said firefighters put out the fire in three pallets containing insulation in 25 minutes about 9 p.m. Thursday. He said the fire was accidental and started from hot metal from a welding tool.

“It set there and smoldered all day and broke into flames that night,” he said.

He estimated about $5,000 in damage.

The 63,000-square-foot ambulatory health-care center will have urgent care, digital mammography, diagnostic imaging, mobile CT, X-ray, physician offices, a lab, a wound care center and a sleep lab in a state-of-the-art facility.

John Lasell, vice president of development and construction of national health-care developer NexCore, said half of the building had been leased.

“This is our first project in the Triangle,” he said. “We’re very interested in other projects here.”