Aug 18, 2025 _ news

Breaking Ground in Etna

The community of Etna, Pennsylvania—the world’s first certified EcoDistrict—recently broke ground on an adaptive reuse project that will transform a former dry goods store into a new community amenity that will include a public library, makerspace, offices, and a community event space.

Energy modeling indicates a predicted Energy Use Intensity (pEUI)—a gauge of a building’s predicted energy efficiency— for the renovation and addition of 83% below. This is achieved in large part thanks to solar panels planned for the roof of the existing building and the addition. Inside, material selections have been chosen to be healthy and free of the “worst in class” substances according to the International Living Future Institute. The interior is designed to balance a bright, natural, and light atmosphere with focused spaces defined by a perforated wood ceiling that evokes tree canopies. The custom ceiling includes hidden leaf forms that appear to float gently above and was achieved by working with our in-house computational design & fabrication team. A new courtyard will provide outdoor access.

“This project truly has it all,” says Sara Chodkowski a member of GBBN’s design team for the project. “It represents so much more than a building,” adds Sarah. “It represents the energy and passion of the community.”