The ninth annual Topping Out awards event was recently held at the Dallas Contemporary. (See photos below.) The event recognized the team effort that serves as the foundation for the construction of any great building. Winners were judged by how their built environments demonstrate a beneficial impact on surrounding communities.

Keynote speaker Phil Romano offered his insight on the impact that stable and environmentally friendly buildings have on North Texas. The restaurateur currently is working on a restaurant incubator near Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.

“Our country needs young entrepreneurs starting businesses and making a difference, and none of that would be possible without the great people who work countless hours to build the buildings in which we create success,” he said.

Recognized as Topping Out Award winners for 2012 were:

• Anne Richards Middle School, Dallas

• Apogee Stadium at University of North Texas, Denton

• City of Allen Fire Station No. 5, Allen

• Dallas City Performance Hall, Dallas

• iProspect, Fort Worth

• Irving Convention Center

• Museum Tower

• Omni Dallas Hotel, Dallas

• The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, which received the evening’s top owner is scheduled to open Dec. 1 2012. It’s expected to welcome more than 1 million visitors a year.

Here are select photos from the Topping Out event:

Don Gatzke, Lyda Hill, and Phil Romano

The award-winning team behind the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, led by Duncan Fulton of Good Fulton & Farrell.

Jim Koch, Drew Martin, and Jim Herckt

Jessica Ferrell, Vidaud Guillermo

Jill Magnuson, Duncan Fulton, and Laura and Butch McGregor