In late 2023, our team embarked on a transformative project to convert a historic 1927 newspaper print facility and office building into modern, functional apartments. This ambitious renovation required us to address the unique challenges posed by the building’s nearly century-old structure, including uneven, damaged, and rough subfloors. To meet these demands while preserving the building’s historic character, we developed a flooring solution combining Mohawk LVT, Milliken carpet tile, and Roppe stair treads and wall base. This innovative approach not only overcame the technical challenges but also enhanced the building’s aesthetic and functional appeal, making it a standout example of adaptive reuse.
The original building, once bustling with the energy of a newspaper print facility, featured a variety of subfloor conditions that reflected its industrial past. The Mohawk LVT was an ideal choice for the majority of the apartment spaces due to its durability and ability to conform to uneven surfaces. Its wide range of designs allowed us to replicate the look of hardwood and stone, ensuring the flooring complemented the building’s historic charm while providing the modern performance required for residential living.
In areas where acoustics were a priority, we installed Milliken carpet tile. This product offered a soft, inviting feel underfoot while significantly reducing noise transmission—a critical feature in a multi-unit residential setting.
For the building’s staircases, we selected Roppe stair treads and accessories, which provided a perfect blend of safety, durability, and timeless design. The slip-resistant surfaces and robust construction ensured the stairs could withstand daily use while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that honored the building’s historic roots.
Nancy Thiel, founder and principal of Thiel Architecture + Design, is a licensed architect and an interior designer. With 40+ years’ experience working with luminaries in the architecture world, including Michael Graves, Robert A.M. Stern, and Rockwell Group, where she served as a studio leader, Thiel’s extensive portfolio includes single-family homes and multi-story residences, hotels, restaurants, retail, fitness clubs, offices, theaters, schools and shopping centers. She is a member of the AIA, holds NCARB certification and is a LEED accredited professional. Prior to her career in architecture, Thiel was a dancer and choreographer.
Thiel Architecture + Design is an award-winning multi-disciplinary architecture, interior design, planning, and product design firm with offices in CT and NY. The firm’s work focuses on high-end residential design as well as hospitality, contract, and retail projects. Thiel Architecture + Design’s work has been featured in Interior Design, Architype, New York and Connecticut Cottages and Gardens, Connecticut Magazine, Archello, and Fast Company magazines. In 2022, the firm received a Connecticut AIA Excellence award for Interior Architecture. Thiel earned a BA from Penn State University and her Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University.
