ECC Construction Update 4.30.2025

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of March 31 - April 30, 2025

Above. Volpatt worker operating mini excavator at rear of site.

With the Construction Phase contract awarded in late March, Volpatt Construction mobilized to the site in the first week of April 2025. Their presence had an immediate and positive impact, markedly improving site conditions from the outset. Superintendent Ken Betts led the on-site efforts with a consistent daily presence, while Project Manager Allison Sachs brought a high level of professional coordination and organization to the project.

1. First Owner-Architect-Contractor meeting. 2. Volpatt Construction in possession of the rear of the site with Michael Brothers dumpster.

At the conclusion of the Selective Demolition phase, two key challenges needed to be resolved before progressing into the next phase of construction. In their first week, Volpatt coordinated the installation of a temporary pedestrian walkway along Butler Street to ensure safe, accessible passage for pedestrians in front of the building. In parallel, their team erected scaffolding along the three remaining rear walls and completed the hand removal of remaining loose bricks. These efforts were necessary to address safety concerns and improve on-site conditions before moving forward.

Constructing new scaffolding. Photos by Robert Tuñón and Ken Betts.

1-4. New Butler Street scaffolding and pedestrian walkway.

5-14. New Locust Street scaffolding and progress in removing remaining rear brick walls.

Work at the Basement Level began to take shape as a new opening was created to connect the two halves of the existing basement. One of the first approved Change Orders added the installation of a new concrete slab on both sides of the Basement Level. Upon beginning work, Volpatt discovered that the previous slab lacked the proper thickness, material quality, and drainage, prompting the need for this corrective scope.

1-9. Existing conditions and early work at the Basement Level.

Throughout the month, Volpatt team members Ken Betts and Chris Davison made significant progress in improving the organization and safety of the building’s interior. Key efforts included:

• Installation of temporary power and lighting throughout the building.

• Installation of temporary railings at all stair locations.

• Covering of existing floor openings with new plywood for fall protection.

• Deployment of air scrubbers to enhance indoor air quality.

• Construction of scaffolding on the Third Floor to allow inspection of the roof trusses.

• Daily site cleanliness improvements, with each floor broom-swept at the end of each workday.

1-5. Newly-installed scaffolding provided access to inspect the sagging wood trusses.

6. The First Floor is currently serving as the site office for Volpatt Construction.

7. The Second Floor is being used as the meeting space for OAC meetings.

In April 2025, we held two Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings to review project progress, on April 11th and April 23rd. Attendees included Volpatt Construction’s Project Manager Allison Sachs, Superintendent Ken Betts, and Principal Michael Volpatt; GBBN's Principal Amanda Markovic, Project Manager Blaise Durio, and Architectural Designer Sara Chodkowski; and representatives from the Etna Community Organization and Etna Borough: Megan Tuñón, Bridget Barrett, Veni Mittal, Mary Ellen Ramage, and myself, Robert Tuñón.

At the close of the month, we processed Application for Payment No. 1, confirming that 3% of the overall work had been completed and stored to date, with a current payment due of $104,400.00.

Future work anticipated:

• Start Basement Level underground plumbing and foundation work.

• Continue interior selective demolition.

• Complete installation of power line protection.

Photo credits: Robert Tuñón unless otherwise noted.