ECC Construction Update 10.31.2025

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of October 1 - October 31, 2025

Above. "Chiefs' Meeting" with Shaler Hampton EMS Chief Eric Schmidt, ECO ED Megan Tuñón, Etna VFD Chief Greg Porter, ECO President Bridget Barrett, Etna Police Chief Tim Rodman.

Throughout October 2025, construction activity continued to accelerate, with an increasing number of trades and tradespeople working on site. With the interior steel framing set in place, work progressed rapidly on interior wood framing across all three levels of the historic structure.

Collaboration across the Owner-Architect-Contractor team.

1R. Chris (Volpatt) framing Second Floor apartments.

1L. Sara Chodkowski, Ken Betts, and Mary Ellen Ramage reviewing Third Floor progress.

2. Chris Guignon, Mary Ellen Ramage, and Ken Betts reviewing rear facade progress.

3. ECO team reviewing finish selections with Sara Chodkowski of GBBN.

4. Megan Tuñón at the future location of ECO's office within the addition.

5. GBBN, Ken Betts, and Mary Ellen Ramage reviewing construction drawings.

6. Construction Document set on site.

Collaboration was critical throughout all phases of the project, but especially during October. In addition to resolving technical issues, timely material selections were required for exterior systems. Volpatt worked closely with the Etna Community Organization (ECO) and GBBN to provide submittals and samples from subcontractors and vendors. Together, the team finalized selections for the new exterior brick veneer, mortar, and window sills, coordinating these materials with the previously selected blue metal panel and exterior wood panel.

Material selections in progress.

1. Front exterior materials including new brick, mortar, metal panel, and wood panel.

2. Gravel options for the rear addition's new concrete slab (t0 match Etna's Streetscapes).

3. Front facade material selections alongside a mock-up of the existing rear facade masonry.

4. Mortar selection chart.

5. New window sill material material samples.

6. Interior casework wood samples (red oak rejected).

A highlight for the month was the “Chiefs’ Meeting,” during which the ECO team met with Police Chief Tim Rodman, Fire Chief Greg Porter, and EMS Chief Eric Schmidt. Public spaces require careful consideration of the health, safety, and welfare of patrons, and Etna’s Chiefs provided valuable insight into interior planning considerations for the library and opportunities for ongoing collaboration with ECO. During the meeting, the building’s life safety and security systems were reviewed, along with provisions for emergency resources such as an AED.

Above. Scaffolding erected at the rear of the building for masonry restoration.

With the rear site fully infilled and compacted, Marsa erected scaffolding to begin rear façade masonry restoration. Scope of work at the rear elevation included repointing and selective resetting of brick, installation of new lintels, creation of new window openings, reconstruction of masonry arches, installation of flashing, and cleaning of brick faces.

Photo series. In progress masonry repairs and new openings at the rear facade.

While the front façade will receive a new brick veneer as its finished surface, the rear façade will retain and expose the original 1870s brick, giving each elevation a distinct character—the rear more weathered and historic, the front more refined and contemporary.

Photo series Solar contractor reviewing site conditions and views from ECC. Photos by Megan Tuñón.

As preparation began for the new roof and building systems, mechanical and electrical subcontractors mobilized on site. In parallel, the solar subcontractor, EIS Solar, initiated planning for its scope of work.

Photo series. Wall framing in progress at the Third Floor.

Interior framing advanced rapidly, particularly within the residential areas. Fire-retardant-treated (FRT) lumber was used at demising walls between apartment units to meet 1-hour fire separation requirements. At the Third Floor, which includes double-height spaces, temporary bracing was required to support framing during installation.

Photo series. Custom joist hangers installation in progress.

The existing wood floor joists—original to the building—are substantially thicker and more substantial than modern lumber. To integrate these with the new steel structure, custom aluminum joist hangers were fabricated and installed, allowing the existing wood structure and new steel frame to work together as a unified structural system.

Photo series. In progress work at the Second Floor.

Following the interior steel frame installation, the installation of the new joist hangers, and the infill wood floor joists, the temporary shoring was able to be removed. This provided the first view of what the interior would feel like: wide open spaces with a strong connection to natural light.

Photo series. In progress work at the First Floor.

This month felt like the project had reached a new point in its development, with many of the structural repairs and reconfigurations completed or underway, and the interior walls beginning to take form. The masonry work also showed tremendous promise.

Above. ECC's rear facade with masonry restoration in progress.

At the close of the month, Application for Payment No. 7 was executed in the amount of $509,023.40. Change Order No. 4, valued at $180,873.00, was approved to incorporate additional scope including a new front façade brick veneer, rebuilding of masonry corners, a non-weldable steel unforeseen condition, and additional window shades.

As of October 31, 2025, 37% of the work had been completed and stored to date, representing a total value of $1,705,202.00, with a remaining contract balance of $2,868,419.00.

Future work anticipated:

• Completion of the rear facade masonry restoration.

• Commencement of front facade masonry restoration.

• Commencement of roof replacement.

• Advancement of the rear addition masonry walls.

• Continuation of interior framing and mechanical-electrical-plumbing rough-ins.

Photo credits: Robert Tuñón unless otherwise noted.