Martha's Vineyard Hospital tops off new building's framework
Wednesday morning, with a small group looking on, Paul J. Murphy, project superintendent for Columbia Construction, turned to Dave McMullen, foremen for Rose Steel and said, "It's your show, Dave."
On Mr. McMullen's signal, crane operator Dan Price hoisted a steel beam bearing numerous signatures and adorned with an American flag waving in the wind up to the top of the frame of the new Martha's Vineyard Hospital building where Rose Steel ironworkers John McMullen and Steve Spiewax waited to bolt the iron in place.
Hospital CEO Tim Walsh smiled broadly and said it was a big step. "Who would have thought five years ago we would be at this point," he said.
The topping off ceremony, a time-honored ritual among ironworkers when the last piece of a building is put in place, marked a milestone and a moment of pride for the construction workers.
"We still can make things in America, we build things," said Mr. Murphy, explaining the significance of the ceremony.
Photos by Ralph Stewart
