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, exposing the framing.
Over the winter holiday weeks, ORM Contracting, the subcontractor for rear building demolition, made steady progress in selectively removing roofing, ceilings, and subfloors where the front three-story building connects to the rear two-story structures. These new openings allowed TI Services, the general contractor, to work with their consulting architect and engineer to develop a safe demolition strategy. The challenge was to remove the rear structures without impacting the neighboring property while maintaining the structural integrity of the front three-story building.
1. First floor (south), looking up through the second floor to the exposed ceiling and roof. 2. Ceiling debris on the first floor (south). 3. Roof and ceiling framing exposed at the second floor (north). 4. Second floor (north) before roof and ceiling framing were exposed.
Above. Third floor interior demolition in progress; lead abatement complete.
One of the most difficult but necessary decisions made by the Etna Community Organization involved how to handle hazardous material abatement. Three competing concerns were under consideration related to the abatement: the high financial cost, the long-term health risks, and the preservation of historical elements. Legally, hazardous materials can be managed in multiple ways: encasement (sealing but leaving in place), remediation, or removal. While there was a desire to preserve the historic interior features, particularly the third floor speakeasy, almost all of original finish materials contained either asbestos or lead. The most unfortunate part was that the third floor's beautiful woodwork - trim and casings - was saturated with a lead-based stain or sealer that had penetrated deep into the wood, making it impossible to safely retain. Prioritizing the health of future occupants and workers, the Etna Community Organization committed to full remediation and removal, despite the significant cost.
During this month, Howland Company, a certified and licensed lead abatement contractor, completed the removal of all lead-containing materials. With abatement complete, Innermark Construction proceeded with removing the remaining interior finishes from the third-floor walls and ceiling.
1. Access to adjacent properties. 2. Scaffolding erected to protect tenants in neighboring properties. 3. New meter and temporary electrical service installed.
Duquesne Light and Devlin Electric completed the installation of a new meter and temporary electrical service, providing critical infrastructure for subcontractors to accelerate progress. With heat and power restored, crews were able to safely occupy the site.
Above. A new temporary wall on the first floor (south), separating the front three-story building from the upcoming demolition of the rear two-story additions.
Future work anticipated:
Begin interior demolition of the three-story building.
Begin exterior demolition of the rear two-story structures.