BEVERLY — Workers yesterday placed the final piece of steel at the top of the new Beverly High School academic wing, marking a milestone in the $80 million construction project.
"It's better than good," Mayor Bill Scanlon said, as he stared up at the beam.
It was painted white and signed by high school class officers. On the right flew an American flag, to symbolize good luck, and on the left balanced a small pine tree, to symbolize that nobody was injured during the construction, said Al Calcagno, senior project manager for Heery Construction.
The topping-off ceremony drew about 30 people, including legislators, construction workers, city and school officials, and teachers and students.
The mood was light as people took turns posing for pictures in front of the beam, before it was lifted to the top with a large crane. It rests horizontally, facing the Herrick Street entrance to the school.
"This is so much better than putting the shovel in the ground in the beginning," said Tim Liporto, director of buildings and grounds. "Now, you see something."
School Committee member Karen Fogarty said when you have such a large project, it's important to acknowledge each small step as it takes place.
"It's a chunk that's now done," she said.
Calcagno said work will now focus on the interior of the building. They'll finish the floors and walls and continue with the plumbing and electrical infrastructure. The building is scheduled to be complete by the fall of 2010.
Scanlon, who has been involved with the new high school project from the beginning, said although there were some bumps along the way, he never doubted he would see this day.
"We feel good about it," he said. "But there's a lot more to be done."
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salem news.com.
