ECC Construction Update 2.28.2026

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of February 1 - February 28, 2026

Above. Freshly painted ceiling at Third Floor.

In February 2026, the Third Floor roof trusses and ceiling were painted. Reaching this milestone required a long and careful process, including ceiling demolition, installation of temporary shoring from the basement to the roof, meticulous repair of the front truss, installation of sprinkler piping, and completion of the roof membrane. The restored ceiling is now one of the most visible elements showcasing the original 1870s construction of Ochse Hall.

Photo series. Before and after of the painted ceiling and trusses at Third Floor.

Window installation progressed steadily throughout February. Each façade 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.

Photo series. New Pella window installation in progress.

The Second Floor windows are 7'-2" tall with segmental arched tops and true divided light muntins, restoring the building’s historic character. While these windows were delivered and installed as single units, the Third Floor windows—measuring 9'-4" tall with round arched tops—were delivered in two pieces due to their size. The Third Floor units also include true divided muntins with a double round arch at the upper pane, faithful to the original Ochse Hall design.

Above. New Pella window installation in progress.

On the interior, drywall finishing progressed at the Second Floor. Walls and ceilings in the Locust-facing unit were taped, sanded, and prepared for painting, while the Butler-facing unit completed all wallboard installation.

Photo series. Second Floor progress from February 2026.

GBBN’s Sara Chodkowski continued working with ECO’s team, including Megan Tuñón and Bridget Barrett, on finish selections. Carpet was finalized for the First Floor office and meeting room. Throughout the process, Sara prioritized materials with Declare labels—indicating products that avoid Red List chemicals or clearly disclose their use. The Red List identifies chemicals that pose significant risks to human health and the environment.

Photo series. Review of carpet and paint finishes.

Interior paint selections for the apartment units include: a flat white “Greek Villa” for ceilings, an eggshell light gray “Shoji White” for walls, and a semi-gloss “Shoji White” for trim. All paints utilize Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200 Zero VOC latex bases. Zero-VOC paints minimize emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can off-gas over time and include chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and acetone—substances linked to both short- and long-term health impacts.

Photo series. First Floor progress from February 2026.

Following substantial rework to address issues with the original plumbing installation at the First Floor, wallboard and ceiling installation resumed.

During a two-week break in winter weather, roofing crews began installing insulation, cover board, and the TPO membrane. At the same time, supports for HVAC condensing units were installed, along with a new roof hatch. Roofing work will continue in the coming months, including installation of the parapet cap and, later, solar panels.

Photo series. Roof progress from February 2026.

At the close of the month, Application for Payment No. 11 was executed in the amount of $171,590.00. Change Order No. 6, totaling $53,040.00, was approved and included removal of temporary shoring, additional dumpster hauling, Third Floor ceiling painting, additional fire dampers, modifications to the millwork package, and relocation of temporary power.

As of February 28, 64% of the work had been completed and stored to date, representing a total value of $2,998,465.00, with a remaining balance of $1,719,695.00.

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.

• Continuation of interior painting.

Photo credits: Robert Tuñón unless otherwise noted.