Updates from the Etna Center for Community
Weeks of December 23, 2024 - January 12, 2025

Above. The ceiling and roof above the second floor, north, were demolished by hand to expose the framing.
ORM Contracting (subcontractor, rear building demolition) made progress over the winter holiday weeks to selectively remove the roofing, ceiling, and subfloors adjacent to the area where the front three-story building connected to the rear two-story buildings. These new openings allowed TI Services (general contractor) to coordinate with their consulting architect and engineer to evaluate a safe way to demolish the rear buildings. The key was to proceed with the demolition of the rear two-story buildings without impacting the adjacent neighboring property while also preserving the structural integrity of the front three-story building.
1. First floor, south, looking up through the second floor to the second floor ceiling and roof. 2. Ceiling debris at the first floor, south. 3. Roof and ceiling framing exposed at second floor, north. 4. Second floor, north, prior to having roof and ceiling framing exposed.

Above. Third floor interior demolition in progress, lead abatement complete.
One of the easy-but-difficult decisions made by the Etna Community Organization was on how to complete the abatement of hazardous materials in buildings. Three competing concerns were under consideration related to the abatement: the high financial cost, the long-term health concerns, and the preservation of historical items. Hazardous materials can be legally delt with in multiple ways: encasement (sealing but leaving in place), remediation, and removal. While there was a desire to preserve the historic elements of the interior, particularly the third floor speakeasy, almost all of the historic materials contained either asbestos or lead. The entirety of the beautiful woodwork (trim and casings) at the third floor was covered in a lead-based stain or sealer that had penetrated through the core of the wood. As there was no way to safely retain the woodwork, the Etna Community Organization prioritized the health of future occupants and workers, and elected to pay the full costs of complete remediation and removal.
During this month, Howland Company, a certified and licensed lead contractor, removed all items that contained lead paint and/or stain from the interior. Once the lead abatement work was completed, Innermark Construction removed the interior finishes from the walls and ceiling at the third floor.
1. Access to the adjacent properties. 2. Scaffolding was erected to protect tenants at adjacent properties. 3. New meter, temporary electrical service was installed.
Duquesne Light and Devlin Electric completed the installation of a new meter and temporary electrical service, which proved critical to allowing subcontractors to accelerate work progress in future weeks. With heat and power, crews were able to occupy the safely occupy the site.

Above. New temporary wall, first floor, south, separating the front three-story building, and the forthcoming complete demolition of the rear two-story additions.
Future work anticipated:
Begin interior demolition of three-story building.
Begin exterior demolition of rear two-story buildings.