ECC Construction Update 1.31.2026
- Robert Tuñón
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
Updates from the Etna Center for Community
Weeks of January 1 - January 31, 2026
Above. Partially reconstructed front facade on Butler Street.
In January 2026, the scaffolding was removed from the Butler Street facade, revealing the completed brick reconstruction. It marked a tremendous milestone for the project, with the majority of the masonry work now complete.
Photo series. Butler Street facade restoration in progress.
As part of the Butler Street facade reconstruction, the masonry at the window jambs was rebuilt to receive new windows. The work also included new cast sills and rebuilt brick-and-steel arches. The brick was manufactured by the Belden Brick Company in Canton, Ohio. The cast sills were produced by American Art Stone in Carlstadt, New Jersey.
Photo series. New Pella window installation in progress.
With masonry work largely complete at both the front and rear facades, window installation began. Each facade includes 12 metal-clad wood windows that match the original arched design and functionality. These single-hung windows were custom-colored navy blue to align with Etna’s primary color and were manufactured by Pella Windows, an American company based in Pella, Iowa.
Once the masonry work was complete, Volpatt installed pressure-treated lumber as masonry bucks and wrapped them with window flashing tape in preparation for the window units.
Above. In-progress mock-up of the addition's concrete slab.
Two major scopes of work received final approval in January: the concrete slab mock-up and the library’s casework. The addition will feature a slab-on-grade containing a small colored aggregate that matches the Etna Streetscape aggregate. The interior slab, however, will be polished to achieve a smooth finish.
Bridget Barrett, Megan Tuñón, and I visited the millworker’s shop in Verona, PA, where we met the team fabricating the apartment cabinetry and library shelving. We reviewed the redwood plywood and discussed finish options. The recommendation from Pittsburgh Specialty Cabinet was to use a clear oil with a flat sealer to preserve the wood while providing durability appropriate for a library setting.
Photo series. ECO's visit to Pittsburgh Specialty Cabinet Co., Verona, PA.
January 2026 also included a historic snowstorm, with 11.2 inches of snowfall recorded—the largest snowfall since 2010 and among the top 15 largest 24-hour snow events in Pittsburgh history. Following the storm on Sunday, January 25, extreme cold with wind chills near -20°F delayed work on site for several days.
Photo series. Third Floor progress from December 2025.
January 2026 also included a historic snow storm event in which 11.2 inches of snow fell marking the largest snow fall since 2010 and within the top 15 largest snowfalls over a 24-hour period in Pittsburgh history. In addition to the heavy snowfall on Sunday, January 25, an extreme cold with wind chills near -20°F followed the storm and delayed work on site by a few days.
Photo series. First Floor progress from January 2026.
Another schedule issue was identified and resolved in January. Kastle Plumbing replaced Veterans Plumbing after a significant portion of previously completed work was found not to be code compliant. Kastle removed and replaced connections and piping as necessary to ensure compliance.
Photo series. OAC meeting and Second Floor progress from January 2026.
Volpatt worked with Patrinos Painting to determine how the existing Third Floor wood structure could be cleaned and treated. Due to the age and weathering of the trusses and roof deck, the recommendation was to paint the existing structure to improve its overall appearance. A zero-VOC coating was selected to align with the project’s finish palette and indoor air quality goals.
Will Gazica, an ECO Board Member, began attending OAC meetings in December 2025 and continued participating in January 2026 alongside board members Bridget Barrett and Veni Mittal.
Photo series. Third Floor progress from December 2025.
At the close of the month, Application for Payment No. 10 was executed for $207,400.00. No new change orders were approved. As of January 31st, 61% of the work had been completed and stored to date, with a total value of $2,826,875.00 and a remaining balance of $1,838,245.00.
Future work anticipated:
Continuation of the window installation.
Continuation of the roof installation.
Continuation of exterior footers for addition.
Continuation of interior wall construction and finishing.
