Professional creativity at the soon-to-be Ebert Animal Hospital in Boardman has been key for Mazzella Electric. The building, which sits on Route 224 across from St. Charles Church, used to be a nursing home and is now being renovated.
Mazzella started electrical work in March 2024. Major repairs and changes were needed since it had been vacant for several years.
“A lot of work went into making it what it is now. Wires were hanging down, the roof was leaking, and it was in pretty bad shape when we came in,” said Joe McGath, project manager, Mazzella Electric.
Aside from animal exam rooms, the floor plan shows surgical and x-ray areas, a laundry room, pharmacy, lab, as well as separate areas for dogs and cats. There are also two basements and second-floor living space.
Pulling wire and taking notes
McGath, who’s been with Mazzella for 25 years, says the building had to be completely rewired.
“We put in a 400-amp main panel with three, 100-amp subpanels. In total, there are 190 circuits in here.”
He said this much panel space assures that everything will be properly supported.
In addition, it’s essential for McGath to keep track of where the wiring is being fed. That means an extensive process of labeling the boxes the wire comes in, along with the wires themselves. His writing is quite literally on the wall.
“My notes tell me which panel, where the power is going on the panel and to what part of the building.”
The most enjoyable part of the job for him has been the planning and strategizing.
“It’s challenging to figure out how to reroute the power around the old stuff. It just takes time. Running all the wiring from the main pipe is a process, but that’s the part I like.”
Contractor collaboration
Temporary power is set up until everything is ready to be switched over to the new, main panel. The final stretch will come after all the drywalling and painting are complete.
“We’ll start putting in the lighting fixtures. There’s quite a bit to install, and it’s all LED, energy efficient.”
McGath said despite working around the conditions of the building at first, the project has been smooth and organized.
“All the contractors here have been great. Everyone is working together, and we all help each other.”
Ebert Animal Hospital is moving from its current location on Southern Boulevard to Route 224 for more space. It’s expected to be open by October.
Mazzella Electric is a member contractor of NECA-IBEW Electricians, an association consisting of IBEW Local 64 in Youngstown, IBEW Local 573 in Warren and signatory electrical contractors throughout the Mahoning Valley.