As construction on the Etna Center for Community gets underway this fall, residents can expect to see big changes to our downtown. Over the fall and winter months, contractors will be working on restoring the historic facade of the former Ochse Building, which dates back to the 1870s. The three story brick building is one of the original structures in Etna's downtown district. It was originally a grocery and dry goods store, as well as the post office, with parking out front for horse-drawn carriages. The third floor is a double-height space which was once used as a speakeasy. In fact, this floor has not really been touched since the 1920s, and you can still see some of the original fixtures of the speakeasy space, including a small slot in the door to determine who was trying to gain entrance! The second and third floors will be renovated into four high-quality, one-bedroom apartments.
On the exterior, contractors will be stripping the pink paint off of the brick and bringing them back to their original state. They'll also be restoring the double height windows and demolishing the mis-matched storefronts to create modern light-filled entrance for the Etna Community Library. They will also be busy bringing down the apartment additions on Locust St. so that we have room for the new-construction, one-story library great room addition and courtyard.
Once the debris in the rear lot is cleared away, ECO will be planning the formal groundbreaking ceremony for the project. This event will be open to the public and will be a time to recognize the many, MANY individuals and organizations who have helped us make our dream of bringing a library and community center to Etna a reality. Details about this event will be forthcoming as they are contingent upon the construction progress. We can't wait to celebrate this achievement!