Affordable Housing Conversion

Multi-Unit Urban Loft Community, Philadelphia Area

Location

City: Philadelphia (urban neighborhood)
State: Pennsylvania
Service Area Context: Part of Norman Carpet & Flooring’s footprint serving mid- to large-scale multifamily housing renovations in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Client / Facility Type

Residential – Affordable / Workforce Housing Community

Adaptive reuse of a former industrial/loft building into a multi-unit apartment community with studios, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom loft-style units.

Project Scope

Full-scale flooring renovation throughout a residential apartment conversion project.
Installation across varied unit types (studios through 3-bedroom lofts) and common-area/support spaces.
Integration of multiple flooring systems to accommodate different apartment layouts and communal zones.
Coordination with general contractor and property management for phased unit turnover and occupancy scheduling.
Final walkthrough and quality verification to meet both residential durability and comfort standards.

Total Surface Area

Number of Units: 28 residential loft-style units odinproperties.com+2Rentable+2 
Estimated Combined Floor Area: Not publicly disclosed — varied unit sizes, typically ranging from modest studios to 3-bedroom lofts. Rentable+2Trulia Real Estate Search+2

Flooring Products Installed

Product Types:

Hardwood flooring
LVT Flooring
Carpet (in select areas/units)
Durable, cost-effective residential-grade flooring suited for high turnover and rental use

Key Performance Features:

Durable for daily residential use (high traffic, move-ins/outs)
Designed for ease of maintenance and long-term occupancy
Balanced cost-effectiveness and aesthetic appeal to support affordable-housing economics

Installation Timeline

Project Duration: Phased installation aligned with unit conversion schedule and occupancy planning

Challenges & Solutions

Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Building: Converting a former factory/industrial loft into residential units required careful planning for flooring compatibility across diverse unit layouts.

Solution #1: Specified and installed a mix of flooring systems tailored to each unit type while ensuring consistency in quality and appearance across the development. 

Phased Turnover & Scheduling Complexity: Renovation work had to align with rehabilitation phases and occupancy scheduling for multiple units.

Solution #1: Project managed installation with phased scheduling to minimize downtime and streamline turnovers, ensuring each unit was ready for occupancy on time.  

Cost & Value Constraints (Affordable Housing): Balancing budget limitations with durability, tenant expectations, and long-term maintenance requirements.

Solution #1: Norman leveraged in-stock inventory and close-out materials from its regional supplier network—achieving savings of up to $0.60 on the dollar while delivering durable, easy-to-maintain flooring that met the performance demands of rental occupancy without sacrificing appearance.  

Sustainability & Compliance Notes

Use of materials suitable for multi-unit housing — durable, low-maintenance, and economically sustainable over long-term rental cycles.
Flooring selection aligned with efficient maintenance, occupant safety, and tenant satisfaction.

Before & After Impact

Transformed a former industrial building into a modern, comfortable, and affordable residential community.
Delivered a high-quality residential finish on a value-engineered budget — offering tenants loft-style living with durable, easy-to-maintain flooring.
Contributed to neighborhood revitalization and provided housing options in an urban area.

Resident Value & Appeal

The project delivered attractive, functional, and affordable living spaces, combining loft-style urban living with practical flooring solutions — making it appealing for developers seeking value, comfort, and durability benefits.

Why Our Team Was Selected

Demonstrated experience in multi-unit residential flooring projects
Ability to manage value-driven installations under budget constraints
Skilled at coordinating phased, multi-unit renovations with minimal disruption
Capability to deliver durable, low-maintenance flooring solutions suitable for high-turnover rental housing

We are a flooring retailer with over 50 years of experience specializing in both residential and commercial projects. Visit one of our showrooms in Bryn Mawr and Conshohocken or let us bring the same quality products to you with a FREE At-Home Consultation appointment. We provide the absolute best service from start to finish with experienced, courteous, salespeople and top quality installation crews. We carry a wide selection of carpet, hardwood, LVT, tile, and area rugs from the highest quality to the best value so you are sure to find the right product for your needs.