ECC Demolition Progress 3.9.2025

Updates from the Etna Center for Community

Weeks of February 17 - March 9, 2025

Above. Vegely Welding installing temporary shoring.

Following the discovery of the deteriorated brick corners, Transystems (structural engineering consultant) recommended a temporary shoring solution. This plan included two jack posts with diagonal braces to stabilize the masonry above, along with additional diagonal shoring braces to prevent any outward movement toward the sidewalk and street.

Above. Vegely Welding shop drawing of temporary shoring.

1-2. Vegely Welding installing jack posts and adjustable shoring bars. Photos by Suzie Tata.

Vegely Welding expedited the fabrication and installation of the steel components on a time-and-materials basis. The jack posts and double steel angle braces were securely anchored to the existing foundation and the underside of the double steel beams.

1-3. Temporary shoring bars with sidewalk closure.

Adjustable shoring bars were installed at an angle and secured to a plate on the brick facade. Due to their placement, the sidewalk was temporarily closed for safety.

Above. Owner-Contractor meetings resumed after temporary shoring completion. Photo by Suzie Tata.

1-2. Owner-Contractor walkthrough of second and third floors. Photos by Bridget Barrett.

With shoring in place, we resumed Owner-Contractor meetings with TI Services to review final contract closeout. A punch list was created to outline remaining tasks.

At the start of our contract with TI Services, the Selective Demolition phase was valued at $273,779. Over the course of the project, eleven change orders - including both additions and reductions to the scope of work - adjusted the final contract value to $235,401, resulting in a net cost reduction of $38,378.

1-2. New roof leaks resulting in icicles on the third floor structure. Photos by Suzie Tata.

Adding to the list of challenges, several factors contributed to new roof leaks. Even before the selective demolition phase, the roof showed visible signs of prior leakage and deterioration. The removal of the chimneys, combined with the harsh winter conditions, exacerbated the issue, resulting in new roof leaks and interior water damage.

1-3. Frozen ponds at the southeast corner of roof where ripples in the roof membrane were present.

1-3. Temporary patching installed at deteriorated roofing.

Bill Moore, a roofing subcontractor, provided short-term repairs to the existing roofing. The next phase of construction will include removing the existing roof membrane, abating asbestos-containing materials, replacing roof sheathing, and installing a new roofing system.

Above. ORM excavating materials from the rear of the building.

1-2. ORM scooping and hauling materials from the site.

With temporary shoring completed, ORM returned to clear demolition debris. This included a week-long effort to carefully clear the remaining brick, wood, metal, and other waste materials from the existing basements.

Above. In-progress demolition of the rear buildings.

Portions of existing walls were left in place to maintain stability in the interim state. ORM created site slopes to each of the three-story structure's basements for future construction work.

Above. Megan Tuñón with sons Alex and Leo picking up the first grant-funded check for the project. Photo by Megan Tuñón.

Alongside overseeing demolition and repair efforts at the building, Megan worked to provide grant documentation and coordination. Following weeks of back-and-forth document submissions including procurement forms and certified payrolls, the Allegheny County Economic Development released the first check for $152,160.23 from the Gaming Economic Development Tourism Fund grant.

Future work anticipated:

Close out the Selective Demolition contract.
Begin bidding process for the Construction Phase.
Award the Construction Phase contract.
Begin the Construction Phase.