Updates from the Etna Center for Community
Weeks of February 2-16, 2025
Above. Northeast storefront demolished exposing original timber framing and entry door.
The Etna Center for Community project encountered a significant setback during this work period. While demolishing the northeast storefront, it was discovered that critical sections of the masonry wall supporting the front facade were severely deteriorated. In addition, the central timber posts were inadequately braced and insufficiently connected to the central portion of the steel beam supporting the upper floors of the facade.
1-2. Asphalt shingle awning, vinyl soffit and fascia removed. Photos by Bridget Barrett.
On the first day of the week (2.3.2025), Innermark Construction removed the awning from the front of the building, exposing additional layers of OSB and roofing membrane. On the second day, while removing the lower storefront, the foreman heard a loud creak as the building shifted northward by one to two inches. Work was immediately halted, and TI Services, the general contractor, was called in to assess the situation and develop a plan to proceed. We (ECO) were promptly notified, visited the site throughout the week, and authorized work on a time-and-materials basis to install the necessary shoring and structural bracing.
1-4. Demolition of the northeast storefront.
1. Deteriorated brick at the southeast party wall and masonry pier. 1. Deteriorated brick at the northeast party wall and masonry pier.
1. Deteriorated brick at the northeast party wall. 2. Timber supporting steel beam. 3-4. Interior framing out of plumb.
All crews remained off-site following the incident. A week and a half later, the temporary shoring work had yet to progress. The sidewalk remained closed, and emergency responder organizations were notified.
Above. Storefront demolition not complete.
Above. Two-story structure demolition remained incomplete.
Future work anticipated:
Begin installation of temporary shoring and structural bracing.
Finalize and clean up exterior demolition of the rear two-story structures.