A decade ago, a group of Etna neighbors came together and began discussing what their borough was lacking. Leading the conversation were two key ideas: a library and a community center.
A decade ago, a group of Etna neighbors came together and began discussing what their borough was lacking. Leading the conversation were two key ideas: a library and a community center.
This set in motion years of community engagement and fundraising efforts, which culminated on July 11 during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Etna Center for Community, 341-434 Butler St.
“It kind of feels surreal to be at a point where the building is actually going to be renovated,” said Megan Tuñón, executive director for Etna Community Organization. “This historic building is going to be saved and the funding is in place. It’s hard to describe [this feeling] because it’s such a big thing to take on and we’re such a small community.”
The ground floor will feature various-sized multi-purpose spaces to accommodate a variety of community uses including a Story Market, which will be the entrance of the library and welcome visitors with places to sit, access resources, and connect with a librarian. There will also be a Maker Market, large community room, courtyard and four apartments on the two upper floors.
Etna has not had a library since 2004 after Hurricane Ivan flooded homes and businesses in the borough, and through studies and public engagements events during the EcoDistrict planning process, over 400 residents voiced the need for a library.
“Etna is the world's first certified EcoDistrict, and your continued dedication to that vision is shown here today. This new center for the community is going to be an amazing place to meet, to learn, to grow and just spend time together,” said Senator Lindsey Williams during the groundbreaking ceremony.
Tuñón said Etna lacks social spaces that exist outside of the home and work that are free to the public, and the absence of a library limits community organizations' abilities to meet people's needs in a meaningful way.
“Few spaces can meet the educational, social and economic needs of a community like a library and a community center can,” Tuñón said during the groundbreaking ceremony. “What you see behind me today might look a little bit like a hot mess, but we have assembled an amazing team of designers, engineers and contractors that are building a state-of-the-art facility that will bring opportunities and resources to Etna residents that they really deserve.”
Etna Community Organizations awarded the $4.2 million contract to Volpatt Construction, with project completion expected by January 2026. Including interior construction, the building is projected to be operational by spring 2026.
Through a combination of community fundraising efforts and state and federal grants, nearly $6 million has been raised for the project. Congressman Chris Deluzio, State Senator Lindsey Williams, and State Senator Lindsay Powell played key roles in securing the funding.
“When we talk about community, this is what I want you to think about. This is what community looks like. This is what true believing in your neighbor looks like,” said Senator Powell at the groundbreaking ceremony. “As we’ve said over and over again, this is what government, good government partnership looks like.”
“I’m so grateful to be part of a community that believes that they can be better for their neighbors, that they can be better for their children and children to come. Etna is truly a special place.”