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).
The Selective Demolition phase officially launched on December 18, 2024, with the initiation of Owner-Contractor meetings. Representing the Etna Community Organization (ECO), Megan Tuñón (Executive Director), Mary Ellen Ramage (Etna Borough Manager, ECO Board), Bridget Barrett (ECO Board), and I (Mayor, ECO Board) met weekly to biweekly with the general contractor, TI Services, to align on project scope, coordination, payments, and progress updates.
Suzie Tata served as Project Manager and our primary point of contact.
Chris Buckley, Site Superintendent, managed on-site operations and subcontractors.
1. Megan Tuñón (ECO) and Chris Buckley (TI Services) at the first floor (south). 2. Water service to the buildings was disconnected and all meters were removed.
During the first month (11.25.2024 – 12.23.2024), the focus was on site coordination and utility disconnections, ensuring a safe and efficient work environment. The following services were successfully disconnected:
Water (Hampton Shaler Water Authority)
Gas (Peoples Gas)
Electric (Duquesne Light)
Telecommunications (Verizon)
1. Owner-Contractor Meeting walkthrough of the third floor. 2. Ceiling removal at the third floor. 3. Third floor. 4. Former speakeasy stage was removed.
While the rear two-story structures were designated for complete demolition, work on the front three-story building required precision to protect the structural integrity and the elements that were to remain. Waste materials were carefully removed and transported through the building to dumpsters in the public right-of-way.
The demolition also included removing the former Ochse Hall speakeasy’s original materials, a decision that weighed preservation concerns against the necessity of safety and progress. Seeing the space cleared was bittersweet—while it marked the end of an era, it also brought relief, knowing the space was now prepared for the next phase of construction.
Future work anticipated:
Install temporary walls and enclosures between the three-story building and two-story structures.
Erect fencing and scaffolding on Locust St.
Install temporary power.
Complete lead abatement.
Continue interior demolition of the three-story building.
Begin exterior demolition of the rear two-story structures.