Martha's Vineyard Hospital tops off new building's framework

Published: October 16, 2008

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.

John McMullen (left) and Steve Spiewax of Rose Steel prepared to install the last beam of the frame of the new $42 million Martha's Vineyard Hospital building Wednesday morning.

Ironworker Dean Wood signed the last beam of the building he helped to erect.
Photos by Ralph Stewart

Hospital chief executive officer Tim Walsh added his signature to the building he has shepherded through the fundraising and permitting process.

John McMullen tightened bolts.

A crane lowered the last beam for the frame of the hospital tower located over what will be the building's front entrance.

Al Mark, Paul J. Murphy, Tim Walsh and Cynthia McIntosh

Construction and hospital officials celebrated another building milestone. (Left to right: Al Mark and Paul J. Murphy of Columbia Construction, hospital CEO Tim Walsh and Cynthia McIntosh, executive assistant.)

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