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ECC Demolition Progress 12.22.2024

Robert Tuñón

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of November 18 - December 22, 2024
Above. The first Owner-Contractor meeting on 12.18.2024 for the Selective Demolition phase with Bridget, Mary Ellen , Megan, Suzie, and me (Robert ).

Officially starting on December 18, 2024, the Owner-Contractor meetings began for the Etna Center Community's Selective Demolition phase. Representing the Etna Community Organization (Owner), Megan Tuñón (Executive Director), Mary Ellen Ramage (Etna Borough Manager, ECO Board), Bridget Barrett (ECO Board), and I (Mayor, ECO Board) met on a weekly-to-biweekly basis with the General Contractor, TI Services, to discuss scope issues, coordinate items, review payments, and observe progress. Suzie Tata was the Project Manager and our primary point of contact. Chris Buckley served as the Site Superintendent who managed the site and the subcontractors.


1. Megan, Etna Community Organization, and Chris Buckley, site superintendent for TI Services, at the first floor, south. 2. Water service to the buildings was disconnected and all meters were removed.

The first month of the project (11.25.2024 - 12.23.2024) was primarily dedicated to site coordination and utility removal. All existing utilities (water service through HSWA, gas through Peoples Gas, electrical through Duquesne Light, telecommunications through Verizon) were disconnected.


1. Owner-Contractor Meeting walkthrough of third floor. 2. Ceiling removal at third floor. 3. Third floor. 4. Former speakeasy stage was removed.

While the rear two-story buildings were to be completely demolished, the work on the front three-story building had to be more precise to protect the items that were existing-to-remain. The work proceeded at a careful pace as all waste materials were hauled through the building to dumpsters located in the public-right-of-way.


While it was somewhat sad to see the former Ochse Hall speakeasy have its original materials removed, it was a relief to see the space cleared out for the next phase of construction.


Future work anticipated:

  • Install temporary walls and enclosures between three-story building and two-story building.

  • Erect rear fence and scaffolding on Locust St.

  • Install temporary power.

  • Complete lead abatement.

  • Begin interior demolition of three-story building.

  • Begin exterior demolition of rear two-story buildings.


Photo credits: Robert Tuñón
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