Project Activity Posts
Nordstrom Department Store Finished
Description: Nordstrom Department Store took on the task of revitalizing the space of a former retail department store at the Keystone at the Crossing Mall in Indianapolis, Indiana. Vacant for a while and an eyesore for both existing tenants and customers, Nordstrom was faced with many challenges; 1) opening the store prior to the 2008 Holiday shopping season; 2) relocating existing escalators & 3) uneven concrete floor on the second story. Nordstrom prides itself on its store design and appearance and more specifically comfort while walking in their store. Originally started as a shoe store, Nordstrom wants its customer to notice how comfortable the shoes are and not the irregularities in the flooring. E.F. Marburger Fine Flooring was up to the task of satisfying there needs. Prior to installing the carpet and tile, Nordstrom required the floors to be virtually dead level. The tolerance set by Nordstrom was 1/8” deflection within 10’. Using a variety of methods including laser leveling, E.F. Marburger Fine Flooring was able to achieve the necessary levelness.
To further ensure the products would be installed exactly as desired, Nordstrom had a 100 s.f. mock-up of both carpeting and porcelain tile installed. After installation of the mock-up, Nordstrom and the Architect pulled up both the carpeting and porcelain tile. They carefully inspected the carpeting for side & cross seam as well as pattern matching. The tile was inspected for exactness of thinset mortar, consistent tile spacing & continuation of direction of mortar bed. The height of the tile in relation to the metal trim strip and carpeting were measured.
Throughout the installation of the porcelain & marble tiles, constant inspections were made by the architect and owners representative to ensure consistent height. One of the test method used was a “2 dimes test”. This involves placing 2 dimes on the floor under the testers’ foot and sweeping them across every grout joint. If one of the dimes “catches” on a joint, the tile is marked for removal and a new one reinstalled. Only 20 s.f. of over 38,000 s.f. had to be replaced or less than 5/10000’s of a percent!!!
Although the carpeting was installed in “islands” surrounded by tile, the height had to be consistent. Due to the high level of quality installers, the patterned matched horizontally, vertically and also diagonally from “island to island”. It was rewarding to hear the owners’ representative, architect and GC comment they had never seen that level of quality installation at any other store before and were more than pleased with the excellence.
When completed the store had aver 63,000 s.f of carpeting and 38,000 s.f. of marble, porcelain and granite tiles installed throughout. The punch list was limited to a few items damaged during customer moving in furniture and equipment. This beautiful store is a shining example of E.F. Marburger Fine Flooring team commitment to helping customers achieve their goals.
Impact: The wonderful transformation the home of the new Nordstrom Department Store, located at Keystone at the Crossing, took from vacant outdated worn store, to a beautiful, elegant and upscale shopping environment has a very significant and positive impact on the neighboring area and mall. Not only were several hundred new positions created with the opening of Nordstrom, but the surrounding area and mall enjoyed a rise in value and posterity with having a premier, upscale retail store in their midst. The lasting benefit of a stable company providing quality products to the marketplace almost certainly ensures a long term relationship with the city. Nordstrom Department Stores have a reputation of keeping their store in the best condition and this one is a gleaming example of their commitment to our community.
