Topping off the Northshore mall

PEABODY – The Northshore Mall carried on the tradition of a “topping off” ceremony Friday afternoon with the placement of the last beam in the new wing expansion project.Mall management staff, Whiting-Turner construction workers and contractors, as well as representatives from Capone Iron Corporation and Dorel & Snow Steel Corporation were present for the centuries-old practice.?This topping off ceremony represents all the people who have contributed to this project,” said mall manager Mark Whiting. “It?s a major milestone for the property.”The ceremony was complete with a white painted beam, signed by all those in attendance with a black permanent marker, and decorated with flags, banners, and an evergreen tree placed in the middle.?Historically, that?s what they always do,” said Rick Coughlin, project manager at Capone.Research shows that “topping off” dates back as far as to when Scandinavians built castles.According to legend, a tree was placed at the highest point of the building to put the spirits of their tree-dwelling ancestors to rest.Most companies in the construction field today have since adopted the tradition, although the tree symbolizes growth and good luck, rather than ancestors who once lived in trees.The ceremony was followed by a luncheon catered by Vinny Testa?s.