ECC Construction Update 5.31.2025

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of May 1 - May 31, 2025

Above. Blaise Durio of GBBN discusses masonry work at Owner-Architect-Contractor meeting.

Throughout June 2025, Volpatt Construction and their subcontractors focused efforts on advancing work in the Basement Level of the Etna Center for Community (ECC). The team began by removing all remaining concrete and gravel, creating a clean, level dirt base to support upcoming construction. A mini excavator, along with other compact equipment, was used to prepare the area for the installation of new concrete footings.

At the same time, Veterans Plumbing Services progressed with underground plumbing rough-ins—installing pipework for seven new floor drains and preparing the location for a future sump pump installation.

Constructing underground plumbing and preparing for new wall footer construction. Photos by Ken Betts and Robert Tuñón.

1-8. Excavation for future wall footers.

9-12. Advancement of underground plumbing.

13-15. Repeated rainwater penetration impacted foundation preparation.

This month, significant "behind-the-scenes" coordination took place to prepare for upcoming work. Volpatt Construction and their subcontractors submitted formal Requests for Information (RFIs) and Submittal/Shop Drawing packages. The consultant teams—including GBBN (architectural), GFT (structural), Morris Knowles (civil), and Allen + Shariff (MEP/FP)—worked collaboratively to review and respond to these submissions, enabling construction to proceed efficiently and with clear direction.

Discovering unforeseen conditions. Photos by Ken Betts and Robert Tuñón.

1. Allison Sachs and Megan Tuñón in the First Floor adjacent to the removed stair.

2-3. Hidden stair prior to removal.

4-5. Wall area following stair removal.

One particular challenge encountered was the lack of level or plumb surfaces in existing walls and floors. Volpatt’s Ken Betts provided detailed field measurements and sketches, which were reviewed by the consultant team. Together, they developed coordinated solutions to improve these conditions and support the upcoming phases of construction.

1-3. Floor level elevation differences. Photos and drawings by Ken Betts.

In preparation for the restoration of the Butler Street façade and exterior masonry, Volpatt Construction coordinated with Duquesne Light to install power line shielding for safety and protection. Marsa will erect three-story scaffolding to provide access to the façade. Once in place, paint removal will begin to expose and restore the original brickwork.

1-5. Installation of power line shielding. Photos by Ken Betts.

We held two Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings in May 2025 to review project progress: May 9th and May 23rd. Attendees included Volpatt Construction's Project Manager Allison Sachs, Superintendent Ken Betts, Estimator Bob Michel, and Principal Michael Volpatt; GBBN Project Manager Blaise Durio and Architectural Designer Sara Chodkowski; and representatives from 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. 2, confirming that 5% of the overall work had been completed and stored to date, with a current payment due of $74,700.00.

Future work anticipated:

• Advance Basement Level underground plumbing

• Begin Basement Level concrete footers and floor slab construction.

• Basement Level's CMU wall construction.

• Begin interior masonry restoration and chimney infill.

• Begin interior layouts and floor cut-outs.

Photo credits: Robert Tuñón unless otherwise noted.