Event Description

After decades of economic and environmental challenges, Etna Borough residents chose to rewrite the narrative for Etna’s future as one that focuses on sustainability, resiliency, and social equity. 

After two years of education and planning, Etna was certified as the world’s first EcoDistrict (now Just Communities), with an Etna EcoDistrict plan and roadmap for improving quality of life in the borough through projects that focus on green infrastructure, revitalization, access to resources, and more. During this multi-year planning project, the need for a library and community center that offers critical services and resources, and functions as a space to bring residents together, emerged as the community’s priority project. 

Currently under construction, the Etna Center for Community is a mixed-use redevelopment of the historic Ochse Hall building in the heart of Etna’s business district. When complete, it will provide the community with a library and indoor public space, enabling community members to come together to learn, grow, and thrive. The project will include accessible design, a solar installation, and community courtyard with stormwater management features, fulfilling a number of Etna’s EcoDistrict commitments. 

Join GBA for a tour of the Etna Center for Community, set to open in 2026, and hear from the Etna Community Organization (ECO), Volpatt Construction, and other project team members about the process, challenges and successes, and community importance of this project. 

Participants Will

1. Receive an overview of the Etna Center for Community project scope and design process
2. Gain insight into the building’s energy efficient and sustainable design
3. Learn how the project meets the Etna community’s EcoDistrict (now Just Communities) commitments
4. Accelerate to Zero: Discuss how the project aligns with 2030 District and Resilient Community energy, water, and decarbonization goals