Modern Design, Industrial Homage
PLK Communities, Factory 52
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Norwood, OH | 130,000 SF
The entry of Factory 52's new multi-family building playfully responds to an adjacent sculpture and evokes the development's history as the United States Playing Card Co. factory.
The United States Playing Card Company factory in the city of Norwood, Ohio is in the midst of a multi-phase transformation into Factory 52, a vibrant mixed-use community. As Factory 52 continues its growth, we’re working with developer PLK Communities on two key projects to bridge the development’s historic and contemporary elements.
A piece of the former Multi-Color Company building is being repurposed. A factory that used to make inks will soon be loft-style residences. Its exterior will feature an installation of original artwork.
The brick facade of the new multi-family building extends from the top of the building to the street. This accomplishes several goals. It provides a more efficient and continuous insulation system. It also hides the concrete podium, creating a clean look using minimal materials.
One project introduces a new five-story, 128-unit, multi-family building while the other is an adaptive reuse of a former ink factory into eight loft style dwellings and amenity spaces. These projects will help bridge past, present, and future phases as Factory 52 expands its presence. Both projects will evoke the quality and artistry US Playing Cards were known for, while offering future residents a distinctive living experience within the Factory 52 community.
The thin profile and contemporary scrollwork design of Factory 52's balconies take their inspiration from playing cards.
Defining the development’s southern boundary and situated across from US Playing Card’s historic smokestack, the new multi-family building features a dark brick facade that connects to the site’s history and existing structures. A playful riff on stacking cards at the entry helps bring a unique sense of place to a building that’s part of the “city within a city” that is Factory 52.
Ornamental copper metalwork that adorns balconies on each unit are inspired by the delicate line work from original US Playing Card backs. Crafted in collaboration with BOK, a specialty metal fabricator, the balconies evoke the slender dimensions of playing cards while adding texture and shimmer.
Nimble design, creative partnerships with specialty fabricators, and the thoughtful use of resources are helping PLK Communities invest their design dollars in moments that matter to help attract future residents.