Behind the Build: ETSU Academic Building Drywall Framing and Finishing

June 19, 2025

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Published by: J Ross Painting & Drywall

Photos by: Steven Holden @holdencreative_co

Project Background: ETSU Academic Building Commercial Drywall Framing and Finishing

In 2024, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) broke ground on its $62.5 million, 62,000-square-foot Academic Building in Johnson City, TN — a transformative addition that will house flexible classrooms, modern labs, and advanced learning spaces.

This large-scale project began in January 2024 and is on schedule for substantial completion by January 2026.

J Ross Painting & Drywall Commercial drywall division was selected to complete:

Steel stud framing
Drywall hanging and installation
Taping and finishing

In this post, we’ll provide a behind-the-scenes look at the ETSU Academic Building drywall framing and finishing process — sharing key, behind-the-scenes looks from a commercial drywall contractor perspective.

johnson city commercial drywall j.ross etsu academic building

What It Takes to Succeed on Higher-Education Construction Projects

Success on higher-education construction projects comes from strong coordination across trades and proactive planning. From the outset, the J Ross Painting & Drywall team worked closely with the project stakeholders to ensure:

Preconstruction coordination and project phasing
Advanced material procurement planning
Sequencing of trades to maintain flow and schedule
Proactive site inspections and readiness
Clear daily communication and issue resolution

Materials Used in ETSU Academic Building Drywall Framing and Finishing

On a project of this size and complexity, selecting the right materials is key to durability and long-term performance. Below are some of the approximate material quantities used

Approximately 1,300 drywall boards installed
Approximately 78,000 drywall screws installed
Approximately 23,000 Miles of drywall tape applied
Approximately 650 gallons of joint compound used
Steel framing — 30,000+ linear feet installed
Fire-rated and high-impact assemblies as required

j.ross ETSU Academic Building drywall framing and finishing

ETSU Academic Building Commercial Drywall Installation: Framing to Finishing

Steel Framing Scope

Over 30,000 linear feet of steel stud framing
Architectural soffits and complex ceiling systems
Radius framing for atrium spaces
Framing for advanced AV, mechanical, and MEP integrations

Drywall Hanging & Installation

Mold-resistant drywall in wet areas
High-impact drywall in corridors
Fire-rated assemblies throughout egress paths and stairwells
Extensive blocking for future AV installations

Taping & Finishing

Level 4 and Level 5 finishes across all learning spaces
Architectural feature walls and ceilings
High-performance finishes for modern AV requirements
Consistent quality control across all phases

As of June 2025, approximately 85% of drywall finishing is complete, with final punch work scheduled for later this summer.

ETSU Academic Building drywall framing and finishing j.ross painting

What’s Next for the Project

Final taping & finishing phases — Summer 2025
AV and ceiling systems — Fall 2025
Interior fit-out and final inspections — Winter 2025–2026
Target completion — January 2026

Upon completion, the new ETSU Academic Building will provide a high-performance learning environment for the next generation of students.

Why Local Partnerships Matter

J Ross Painting & Drywall is a locally owned and operated company with deep roots in Northeast Tennessee.

This project reflects our commitment to quality, community, and collaboration — built by local professionals who take pride in shaping the future of ETSU and the region.