2025 Starnet grand prize winning project

Reviving Wellness: Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Renovation

Murrieta Hot Springs Resort Renovation: Restoring a Storied Landmark with Modern Flooring Innovation

The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation represents a remarkable achievement in balancing history, innovation, and modern hospitality design. This ambitious project breathed new life into one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations, transforming a property with more than a century of layered history into a world-class wellness resort. Universal Metro played a central role in this transformation, delivering flooring solutions that combined durability, elegance, and historical sensitivity.

Universal Metro was proud to play a central role in this transformation, delivering flooring solutions that seamlessly combined durability, elegance, and historical sensitivity. Our team’s work on this project was honored at the 2025 Starnet Design Awards, where the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort received the Grand Prize along with Gold Award in Public Spaces.

A Property with Many Lives

The story of Murrieta Hot Springs Resort stretches back to 1902, when German immigrant Fritz Guenther developed the site into a celebrated health spa retreat. Known for its Spanish-inspired architecture and geothermal mineral waters, the resort quickly became a destination for those seeking relaxation and healing.

As the decades passed, the property went through several transformations. It served as a hotel, later as a vegetarian commune in the 1980s, and then as a Christian conference center and Bible college in the 1990s. For many years, it was closed to the public, leaving behind a mix of structures and uses that made any future revival a complex undertaking.

In 2022, new ownership took on the vision of restoring the site to its original purpose as a public wellness resort. By February 2024, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort officially reopened, offering modern spa facilities, geothermal pools, guest accommodations, and wellness-focused amenities. The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation became a project not just of restoration, but of renewal and reinvention.

Challenges in the Renovation

Restoring a property with such a long and varied history presented significant challenges. Among the most pressing were:

Respecting the Past While Building for the Future: The design needed to retain the spirit of the original Spanish-style architecture while adapting the resort to modern expectations of wellness and hospitality.
Durability in Demanding Environments: With geothermal pools, saunas, and bathhouses, flooring solutions had to withstand moisture, heavy traffic, and continuous use without sacrificing beauty.
Creating a Unified Vision: With spaces ranging from private guestrooms to public cafés and sprawling bathhouses, every flooring choice had to contribute to a cohesive design theme—“California Nostalgic.”

Flooring and Material Solutions

Universal Metro’s approach to the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation combined thoughtful design with advanced installation systems. Working with Starnet Preferred Vendors, the team delivered solutions that ensured durability, moisture resistance, and timeless beauty.

Daltile & Marazzi provided terracotta-toned tiles in the reception, café, and guestrooms. These finishes echoed the resort’s Mediterranean-inspired roofs while adding warmth and authenticity.
Mosaic and Glossy Finishes were used in the bathhouse, pairing earthy matte tiles with glossy off-white walls. This combination created a clean, modern contrast that also performed well under constant exposure to moisture.
ARDEX & Mapei Installation Systems were essential behind the scenes. These high-performance materials offered moisture protection, adhesion, and substrate stability, ensuring that the floors would perform flawlessly for decades to come.
Digital Tools and Precision Systems such as Measure Square, RFMS Measure, Spec-ID, and C/F Data Systems ensured accurate specifications, streamlined planning, and efficient installation—critical for a project of this scale and complexity.

Every flooring decision was guided by a dual mandate: preserve the integrity of the resort’s historic character while equipping it with materials that would meet the demands of a modern wellness destination.

Results of the Project

The results of the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation are striking. Guests now enter a resort that celebrates its historic identity while delivering the comforts and sophistication of a contemporary spa experience.

Historic Charm Maintained: Terracotta palettes and Spanish-style textures reconnect visitors with the site’s origins.
Modern Wellness Elevated: Durable, low-maintenance flooring supports spaces like geothermal baths, mud rooms, saunas, and cafés.
Longevity Guaranteed: Behind every tile lies advanced installation systems that protect against moisture and heavy use, ensuring the resort’s design will stand the test of time.

The project has transformed Murrieta Hot Springs Resort into a place that is both a tribute to its past and a bold step into its future.

A New Era for a Historic Destination

Today, Murrieta Hot Springs Resort welcomes visitors once again, offering them the healing waters and restorative environment that defined its legacy more than a century ago. Thanks to Universal Metro’s flooring expertise and its collaboration with top vendors, the resort has reemerged as a premier wellness destination.

The Murrieta Hot Springs Resort renovation stands as a testament to what can be achieved when history, design vision, and modern flooring innovation come together. By preserving character while ensuring performance, Universal Metro helped deliver a project that will inspire and rejuvenate guests for generations to come.

Explore More Projects

At Universal Metro, every project tells a story of craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation. From historic landmarks to modern commercial spaces, our work reflects a commitment to excellence in flooring design and installation.

Bar Issi commercial flooring installation

Bar Issi: Italian-Inspired Commercial Flooring Installation

Palm Springs’ New Italian-Inspired Destination

When design meets craftsmanship, the result is unforgettable. Universal Metro is proud to highlight our role in the creation of Bar Issi, a glamorous new Italian-inspired venue in Palm Springs. This commercial flooring installation project reflects not only our technical expertise but also our commitment to collaboration, precision, and elevating the customer experience through world-class flooring solutions.

Setting the Stage: A Destination Worthy of Palm Springs

Palm Springs has long been known as a destination for luxury, design, and cultural influence. When Bar Issi was envisioned, the goal was to create a venue that combined elegance with durability—flooring that could stand up to high foot traffic while still maintaining its high-end aesthetic. That’s where Universal Metro came in.

Our reputation for Palm Springs commercial flooring installation meant we were uniquely positioned to deliver a product that balanced beauty and performance. From the earliest planning stages to final walkthroughs, our team worked side-by-side with the general contractor to ensure the flooring would reflect the Italian-inspired design vision while meeting all industry standards.

Building Relationships Through Craftsmanship

At Universal Metro, every project is more than just an installation. It’s an opportunity to build lasting relationships with general contractors, architects, and designers who trust us to bring their vision to life. On this project, collaboration was key. Working hand-in-hand with the GC not only streamlined the construction process but also created a partnership built on communication and trust.

This commercial flooring installation demonstrates what happens when craftsmanship is matched by teamwork. Every square foot of flooring at Bar Issi reflects careful attention to detail and the shared dedication of everyone involved.

Materials That Set the Tone

The flooring selection for Bar Issi was about more than appearance—it was about creating an atmosphere that supported the Italian-inspired aesthetic while ensuring functionality for a high-traffic hospitality space.

Universal Metro installed a combination of premium materials, including:

Daltile Keystones and Elixir tiles – Bringing in texture, durability, and timeless style.
Reward Flooring’s Costa Testa hardwood – Adding warmth and sophistication with natural character.
Altro Stronghold 30 – Delivering slip-resistant safety without compromising on design.
ARDEX Self Leveling products – Ensuring a flawless foundation for every finish.

Each product was carefully selected for its performance and aesthetic contribution. Together, they created a layered design that enhances Bar Issi’s chic interior and ensures long-lasting quality.

Elevating Standards in Palm Springs

Hospitality spaces demand flooring that does more than look good—it must perform day after day. That’s why our installation team adhered to rigorous quality checks, ensuring every step met or exceeded industry standards. The result is a floor that not only supports the vision of Bar Issi but will also serve its guests for years to come.

Our experience with this Palm Springs commercial flooring installation has taught us that success is in the details. From leveling the foundation with ARDEX products to precision tile alignment and seamless hardwood transitions, we approached this project with the same care we bring to every Universal Metro installation.

The Finished Result

The completed project at Bar Issi is a celebration of design and craftsmanship. Walking into the space, guests are greeted by flooring that seamlessly ties together the Italian-inspired atmosphere with the modern elegance Palm Springs is known for. The floors provide not only a striking visual foundation but also a durable solution that meets the functional needs of a busy hospitality venue.

Universal Metro: Experts in Commercial Flooring Installation

This project is just one example of how Universal Metro supports clients in achieving their design vision while maintaining practical durability. With decades of experience and a reputation for excellence, our team brings unmatched knowledge to every project. Whether it’s hospitality, retail, education, or healthcare, we understand the unique demands of commercial spaces.

For anyone seeking Palm Springs commercial flooring installation, Universal Metro offers a trusted partner who combines technical expertise, quality craftsmanship, and a dedication to customer satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Bar Issi is more than a new venue—it’s a destination that embodies the essence of Palm Springs style. Universal Metro is proud to have contributed to its success, and we look forward to continuing to deliver flooring solutions that inspire, perform, and endure.

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Elevating Hospitality: The Viv Hotel Anaheim Flooring Renovation (formerly the Radisson Blu)

The VIV Hotel Renovation

A bold new chapter was written in Anaheim when the landmark “Radisson Blu” was transformed into The Viv Hotel — and at the heart of that upgrade, the Viv Hotel Anaheim flooring renovation became a signature element of the guest experience overhaul. For over $2 million of Universal Metro’s scope, we delivered flooring across guestrooms, corridors, the 1st-floor main lobby, elevator lobbies, and boardrooms — marrying design, durability, and functionality.

A Hotel Reimagined

The Viv Hotel Anaheim, a Tribute Portfolio property, spans 12 stories with over 326 keys and a plethora of public amenities. The redevelopment carried forward that scale, putting a premium on both performance and aesthetics. In this Viv Hotel Anaheim flooring renovation, our work touched some of the most visible and heavily trafficked areas of the hotel — spaces that must look spectacular and stand up to intense hospitality use.

The scope included:

Flooring installation in guest rooms and corridors on all levels
Boardrooms and common areas
Elevator lobbies
The main lobby on the first floor

This holistic coverage meant that the flooring choices we made needed to perform under day-to-day hotel traffic while also contributing to the hotel’s refreshed visual narrative.

Flooring Products That Balanced Beauty & Strength

In the Viv Hotel Anaheim flooring renovation, we used premium materials chosen for durability, design compatibility, and acoustic/maintenance considerations. Some highlights:

ARDEX leveling and moisture mitigation systems formed the critical substrate underlayment to ensure flatness, longevity, and moisture control — especially vital in guest room and corridor areas.
Daltile ceramic tile was installed where hard surfaces were desired — likely in elevator lobbies, entry vestibules, and transitions. The crisp, clean lines of tile help ground the hotel’s modern luxury aesthetic.
Tarkett wallbase (rubber or vinyl base) was selected to provide resilient, clean transitions, protect wall bases, and tie together finishes across rooms and corridors.
Shaw Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) in the guestrooms provides a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance flooring solution that combines comfort with long-lasting performance

Each material was integrated with precision: carpet transitions, tile thresholds, wallbase detailing, and durability standards had to line up with hotel operations and design intent.

Because we were working throughout active areas, coordination with other trades (finishes, millwork, walls, lighting) was essential. The Viv Hotel Anaheim flooring renovation demanded rigorous scheduling, quality control, and craftsmanship.

Challenges Met, Excellence Delivered

With a project of this scale and visibility, there were many logistical and technical hurdles:

Guest-active areas: Working in active hotel zones required minimal disruption, precise phasing, and tight coordination with hotel operations.
Consistency across levels: The same materials and aesthetic flow had to feel seamless from one floor to another, and from corridor into room, lobby, and boardroom.
Substrate readiness: The ARDEX systems addressed flatness, moisture, and leveling challenges underlying multiple surface types.
Detailing at transitions: Where carpet, tile, and other materials met, the transitions needed to feel natural, well-executed, and durable over time.

Through all this, Universal Metro’s crew maintained quality control, communication, and scheduling discipline to meet expectations.

The Impact: A Cohesive, Elevated Guest Environment

When guests walk through The Viv, move from elevator to corridor to room, or enter the lobby and boardrooms, the Viv Hotel Anaheim flooring renovation offers a cohesive visual experience and a foundation built for hospitality demands. The floors do more than support traffic — they support the hotel’s brand narrative, guest comfort, and operational longevity.

From the lobby’s first impression to the quiet confidence of corridors and guest rooms, the flooring sets the tone. And behind the scenes, the choice of ARDEX, Daltile, and Tarkett ensures resilience, maintainability, and performance for years to come.

Explore More of Our Award-Winning Flooring Work

The Viv Hotel Anaheim flooring renovation is a standout project in our hospitality portfolio — but it’s far from the only one. If you want to see how Universal Metro brings design, durability, and detail to hotels, schools, healthcare facilities, and beyond, check out our full portfolio.

Serving Up Style from the Ground Up: A Chino Fast Food Chain Operations Campus Flooring Project

Flooring That Dishes-out Safety, Style & Performance

A recently completed flooring installation showcases how design, durability, and performance can transform a large-scale facility. Spanning multiple buildings in Chino, this fast food chain operations campus flooring project included food processing areas, warehousing, office buildings, and support spaces — each with its own unique flooring requirements.

A Multi-Building Operations Campus

The scope of a Chino fast food chain operations campus flooring project required flooring systems that could handle heavy use while contributing to the overall efficiency and design of the space. From high-traffic warehouses to collaborative office areas, each installation was carefully planned to align with both operational demands and long-term performance goals.

Flooring Solutions Built for Purpose

The flooring design was tailored to the diverse functions of the campus:

Resilient finishes in production and warehouse zones for durability and ease of maintenance.
Acoustic-friendly carpet tiles in offices and meeting rooms to enhance comfort and reduce noise.
Slip-resistant flooring in service and utility spaces for added safety.
Coordinated trims and moldings to unify finishes across buildings.

Every surface in this Chino fast food chain operations campus flooring project was selected to balance resilience with design, ensuring the facility remains efficient, safe, and visually cohesive.

A Touch of Spanish Style

Beyond functionality, the design incorporated Spanish-style elements that paid homage to Southern California’s architectural heritage. Warm earth tones, textured finishes, and rustic-inspired details gave the modern operations campus a timeless character. Flooring played a key role in achieving this aesthetic, with surfaces chosen to complement stucco exteriors, arched entryways, and terracotta-inspired accents.

This blending of tradition with modern performance created a facility that feels both forward-looking and deeply rooted in the region’s design culture.

Meeting Challenges with Precision

Large-scale industrial campuses require careful coordination. In a Chino fast food chain operations campus flooring project, the work was completed in phases across multiple facilities, demanding precise material management and consistent workmanship. Close collaboration with contractors and stakeholders ensured schedules were met and installations maintained the highest standards.

A Facility Designed for the Future

With its blend of food processing, warehousing, and office spaces, the campus stands as an example of how flooring contributes to both operational success and workplace culture. The results of a Chino fast food chain operations campus flooring project highlight how thoughtful flooring installation supports productivity, safety, and long-term growth — all while embracing the warmth of Spanish-style design.

Explore Our Award-Winning Portfolio

This Chino fast food chain operations campus flooring project is one of many that showcase how Universal Metro brings craftsmanship, collaboration, and innovation to every industry we serve.

From Hollywood Legacy to Modern Luxury: Georgian Hotel Santa Monica Flooring Project

Reviving Art Deco Elegance at the Georgian Hotel

A landmark along Santa Monica’s iconic coastline, The Georgian Hotel has always embodied timeless elegance. Its turquoise façade and Art Deco design made it a Hollywood favorite in the 1930s, and nearly a century later, the property has been reimagined for a new generation of guests. The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project was central to this transformation, delivering surfaces that balance historic preservation with modern performance.

Universal Metro was entrusted with bringing the flooring vision to life — a responsibility that demanded both craftsmanship and sensitivity to the building’s historic architecture. Our team prepared substrates with ARDEX systems, installed intricate terrazzo inlays in the lobby, and coordinated large-scale tile installations in the restaurant and bar areas. In meeting rooms and corridors, we installed Tarkett carpet to enhance esthetics, acoustics and comfort, while back-of-house and service zones were finished with slip-resistant Altro products to ensure safety and durability. Every detail — from the precision of patterned layouts to the seamless transitions between materials — reflected our role in translating the designers’ Art Deco vision into functional, lasting surfaces.

Restoring an Icon with Purpose

The renovation preserved the hotel’s Art Deco spirit while introducing modern hospitality standards. For the Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project, flooring became a storytelling element — linking bold, geometric design with durable solutions for heavy-use areas.

To achieve this, a curated mix of high-quality products was selected:

ARDEX underlayment and leveling systems provided the critical foundation for all finished surfaces, ensuring smooth installation in a historic structure with uneven substrates.
Daltile ceramic and porcelain tile brought geometric precision and durability to the restaurant, bar, and circulation areas.
Tarkett Powerbond carpet offered acoustic comfort and style in meeting spaces and guest corridors, while handling the wear of frequent use.
Stark Custom Carpets : customer woven Axminster
Monarch Hardwood: European Oak in the guestrooms – hand-scraped micro-beveled 9/16 inch product
Custom terrazzo inlays were fabricated to replicate period-appropriate compass star patterns in the lobby, blending heritage with new performance standards.
Altro slip-resistant flooring enhanced functionality in service and back-of-house zones without compromising safety.
Pliteq: RST sound management underlayment

Flooring Solutions That Elevate Every Space

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project applied these solutions strategically throughout the property:

Lobby & Reception: Daltile hard surfaces paired with ARDEX-prepped substrates delivered crisp, durable finishes. Custom terrazzo compass stars reinforced the Art Deco aesthetic.
Guestrooms & Suites: European Oak for its exceptional durability, which withstands heavy foot traffic, and its aesthetic appeal,
Restaurant & Bar Areas: Tile and carpet transitions created lively atmospheres while withstanding heavy guest traffic.
Meeting & Circulation Spaces: Tarkett Powerbond carpet improved acoustics and comfort while carrying Art Deco-inspired colorways.
Service & Utility Areas: Altro slip-resistant products safeguarded staff operations with long-term resilience.

Spanish-style details were echoed in flooring palettes — muted terracottas, soft browns, and earthy tones that tied seamlessly to the stucco exteriors and arched entryways.

Meeting the Challenges of Historic Renovation

As with any landmark restoration, challenges arose:

Substrate irregularities addressed with ARDEX solutions.
Preservation needs, requiring careful installation around original moldings, structures and framing.
Maintaining historic authenticity: Renovation required careful decisions on which original features were matched with modern products.
Complex transitions between tile, terrazzo, and carpet, demanding meticulous craftsmanship.
Scheduling coordination across multiple trades to ensure continuity in active hotel spaces.

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project overcame each of these challenges, demonstrating the value of experience, planning, and skilled labor in high-profile hospitality work.

A Reimagined Jewel on the Coast

With its refreshed interiors, The Georgian Hotel now celebrates its Hollywood-era roots while meeting modern hospitality standards. The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project is a showcase of Universal Metro’s ability to balance design heritage with functional excellence — leaving a foundation that’s as timeless as the hotel itself.

Explore Our Award-Winning Portfolio

The Georgian Hotel Santa Monica flooring project is just one example of how Universal Metro delivers flooring that combines craftsmanship, innovation, and durability across the hospitality sector.

North Ranch Country Club

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Huntington Memorial Hospital Surgery Flooring Remodel — Universal Metro’s Healthcare Craft, Start to Finish

Huntington Memorial Hospital Surgery Flooring Remodel

For more than 130 years, Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California, has been at the forefront of medical innovation. When the hospital set out to modernize and expand its surgical department, Universal Metro, Inc. (UMI) was honored to play a key role in delivering a state-of-the-art facility that meets the demands of next-generation surgical care.

From the initial design-build phase, Universal Metro partnered closely with Mannington Commercial, Abbott Construction, and HDR Architects to bring this vision to life. The project aimed to create one of the most advanced surgery departments on the West Coast—balancing design aesthetics, precision installation, and strict compliance with California healthcare construction standards (HCAI/OSHPD).

Project & Design Strategy

The Huntington Memorial Hospital surgery flooring remodel design was not just a finish—it was a foundation for precision medicine. Universal Metro worked diligently to deliver every element within budget, from standard resilient installations to highly specialized, detail-driven finishes.

Key installation elements included:

ARDEX Self-Leveling Underlayment – Used to meet Huntington Hospital’s exacting flatness and leveling requirements for surgical tables and da Vinci robotic equipment, ensuring stability and precision for advanced surgical systems.
Premier Self-Coving with Butterfly Corners – Crafted by UMI’s skilled installers, these seamless transitions between floor and wall create hygienic, easy-to-clean environments essential to infection control.
Heat-Welded Seams – Provide a watertight barrier that prevents bacterial growth and supports long-term durability in sterile operating rooms.

The $650,000 flooring installation featured a combination of solid homogeneous sheet vinyl in sterile areas—selected for its seamless, resilient surface—and heterogeneous wood-visual vinyl in recovery areas to promote warmth, comfort, and patient well-being. Together, these materials balanced functionality and aesthetics, reflecting Huntington’s patient-first design philosophy.

Unique Installation Challenge & Strategy

Delivering the Huntington Memorial Hospital surgery flooring remodel during the height of the pandemic presented extraordinary challenges. As mandates shifted daily across California, construction schedules required constant adaptation.

Crew sizes were restricted by six-foot distancing rules, and frequent quarantines caused unexpected disruptions. Despite these obstacles, Universal Metro maintained productivity by working overnight and off-hours, allowing safe access and steady progress.

At the same time, UMI faced one of the most technically demanding issues of the project—subfloor elevation discrepancies of up to two inches in critical operating rooms. With Universal Metro’s Ardex LevelMaster Elite Installer certification, our team was uniquely qualified to find a compliant, lasting solution.

Working in collaboration with HDR Architects, UMI re-shot all floor elevations, then scrabbled and ground the slab as much as two inches lower before pouring a new, perfectly flat ARDEX surface. This precision-leveling work ensured the new imaging and surgical equipment could operate on an absolutely flat foundation—a crucial requirement in any surgical environment.

Over the course of three weeks, the flooring team executed this complex correction—all while adhering to pandemic safety protocols and maintaining project timelines. The result was a surface engineered for both durability and precision, completed under some of the toughest conditions the construction industry has faced.

Collaboration That Drove Success

This remodel exemplifies what can be achieved through collaboration and communication. UMI’s partnership with hospital leadership, the general contractor, the manufacturer, and the design team ensured every challenge was met with a coordinated solution.

Our ability to adapt to design changes, sequencing challenges, and scope adjustments—while maintaining compliance and craftsmanship—demonstrated the professionalism of both our installers and our management team. Every step reflected UMI’s dedication to healthcare flooring excellence and the trust placed in us by Huntington Health.

Results That Reflect a Higher Standard

The completed Huntington Memorial Hospital surgery flooring remodel stands as one of Southern California’s premier examples of precision healthcare construction. The project showcases how design, materials, and craftsmanship come together to create a functional, sterile, and visually cohesive environment—built to support life-saving work.

From seamless sheet vinyl to perfectly level substrates, every square foot represents a collaboration between innovation and experience.

Explore More of Universal Metro’s Healthcare Expertise

The Huntington Memorial Hospital project is part of Universal Metro’s extensive portfolio of healthcare flooring installations across California. Each project reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, communication, and craftsmanship—values that keep healthcare facilities compliant and operational.

A Visionary Space for Vision Science: UCLA / Doheny Eye Institute Headquarters, Pasadena, CA

Healthcare Flooring Innovation at UCLA Doheny Eye Institute

A new era of discovery has emerged in Pasadena, where the renowned Doheny Eye Institute, in partnership with UCLA Health, transformed a decades-old corporate campus into a cutting-edge center for vision research, clinical care, and innovation.

At the foundation of this transformation lies Universal Metro’s award-winning healthcare flooring installation — a project that combined precision, durability, and design excellence to meet the demanding needs of a world-class medical and research environment.

A Campus Reimagined for Innovation

Located at 150 N. Orange Grove Boulevard, the Doheny Eye Institute headquarters spans more than 120,000 square feet on a seven-acre site, consolidating laboratories, clinics, and administrative offices under one roof.

The adaptive-reuse design by Kardent Design Studio converted a 40-year-old office building into a state-of-the-art research and clinical facility. For Universal Metro, that transformation meant creating a flooring solution capable of supporting heavy traffic, strict hygiene standards, and a calming, modern aesthetic — the hallmarks of an exceptional healthcare flooring installation.

Scope of Work

Universal Metro’s scope covered every aspect of the flooring lifecycle — from moisture mitigation to finish detailing — across laboratories, patient corridors, and administrative areas. The company’s team managed:

Substrate preparation and moisture mitigation using ARDEX K-15 and Feather Finish systems for long-term performance.
Heat-welded resilient sheet vinyl and linoleum in clinical and lab zones to create seamless, hygienic surfaces ideal for healthcare settings.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) installations in public and office areas for design continuity and durability.
Integral cove bases and precision transitions ensuring clean detailing, accessibility, and infection-control compliance.

This healthcare flooring installation required balancing technical precision with architectural intent — ensuring the design vision aligned perfectly with the building’s performance demands.

Technical Challenges and Execution

Repurposing an aging structure for advanced medical use presented unique substrate and sequencing challenges. Irregular slab conditions, varying elevations, and existing adhesives demanded a methodical approach.

Universal Metro’s team employed high-performance leveling compounds and moisture-barrier systems to create stable, warrantable surfaces. Seam alignment and pattern coordination were handled with surgical precision — particularly in sterile research zones where continuity and hygiene are paramount.

Close coordination with Kardent Design Studio and the general contractor ensured seamless integration across trades, allowing the project to remain on schedule while exceeding performance benchmarks.

Materials That Merge Science and Design

The materials selected by Universal Metro were chosen not only for performance but also for how they embody the Institute’s mission — clarity, precision, and human impact.

Resilient sheet vinyls and linoleum provide long-term cleanability and resistance to disinfectants. Meanwhile, LVT surfaces add warmth to collaboration areas and staff spaces, uniting the entire facility with a cohesive palette of neutral tones and subtle color accents.

The result is a facility where every step — from patient intake to laboratory analysis — takes place on a foundation engineered by a trusted expert in healthcare flooring installation.

Industry Recognition: A Starnet Award Winner

The project gained national acclaim when the Starnet Worldwide Commercial Flooring Partnership Design Awards recognized the Doheny Eye Institute Headquarters as a Silver Winner in the Healthcare Category (2023).

This honor confirms Universal Metro’s role as the Starnet member contractor for the project and underscores the company’s leadership in high-performance healthcare flooring installation across complex institutional environments.

The recognition highlights Universal Metro’s excellence in technical execution, design collaboration, and project management — further solidifying its reputation as one of Southern California’s premier commercial flooring specialists.

The Impact: A Foundation for Visionary Science

Today, the Doheny Eye Institute stands as a landmark of medical innovation, housing world-leading ophthalmology research and clinical excellence. Beneath it all lies Universal Metro’s contribution — a resilient, hygienic, and visually unified flooring system that supports the building’s mission of discovery and healing.

Through careful execution, technical mastery, and partnership with design and construction teams, Universal Metro delivered a healthcare flooring installation that proves performance and aesthetics can coexist seamlessly.

The Doheny Eye Institute Headquarters is one of many examples of how Universal Metro brings craftsmanship, precision, and partnership to every project — from high-performance research facilities to community healthcare centers and historic restorations.

If you’d like to see how Universal Metro delivers exceptional results across healthcare, education, hospitality, and commercial environments, explore our full project portfolio.

Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center Flooring Project — Universal Metro’s Healthcare Expertise in Action

Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center Flooring Project

Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center Flooring Project — Universal Metro’s Healthcare Expertise in Action 33

Universal Metro is proud to have partnered on the Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project, a transformative renovation that blends innovation, safety, and design excellence. Located in Pomona, California, Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center is a nationally recognized, nonprofit regional medical facility serving the Inland Empire and Los Angeles County communities for over a century. The new Women’s & Children’s Center was designed to expand maternity, neonatal, and pediatric services—creating a modern, comforting environment for families during life’s most important moments. As a trusted leader in healthcare flooring installation, Universal Metro worked alongside HMC Architects and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center to create spaces that support healing and comfort—earning national recognition from Starnet’s 2024 Design Awards, including the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award.

Project & Design Strategy

This high-profile Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project focused on crafting an environment that balances the demands of clinical precision with a warm, family-centered atmosphere.
Universal Metro’s installation scope included:

Homogeneous sheet vinyl in sterile and surgical areas for maximum cleanability, chemical resistance, and infection control.
Heterogeneous wood-visual vinyl in patient and recovery spaces to bring natural warmth and calm to families and children.
Seamless transitions, integral cove base, and heat-welded seams to prevent bacteria buildup and ensure long-term durability.
Color and pattern coordination to guide patient and staff movement while supporting visual harmony throughout the space.

By integrating these materials with the architectural vision of HMC, Universal Metro helped the hospital achieve a balance of functionality, hygiene, and emotional wellness—a key differentiator for healthcare flooring design.

Unique Installation Challenge Strategy

As with all active hospital environments, the Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project required precise coordination to maintain safety, cleanliness, and minimal disruption to operations. Universal Metro’s installation team worked under strict infection-control protocols, carefully sequencing work zones around hospital operations and patient traffic.

Their technical craftsmanship—recognized by the Starnet Design Awards—was evident in every corner and seam. The installation combined aesthetic excellence with the precision demanded by medical facilities, reinforcing UMI’s role as a trusted flooring partner for healthcare construction teams across California.

Craftsmanship & Collaboration That Stand Out

The project’s standout results earned the Rob Starr People’s Choice Award, one of the most competitive honors within the Starnet Flooring Cooperative. This award, voted on by industry peers, underscores Universal Metro’s ability to deliver both artistry and performance in a clinical setting.

Additional key contributors included:

HMC Architects – Architectural Design
Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center – Owner / Client

Together, this collaboration produced a space that meets the highest standards for healthcare flooring installation, blending science, safety, and design integrity.

Results That Reflect True Healthcare Expertise

The completed Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project demonstrates how Universal Metro transforms healthcare environments through innovation, craftsmanship, and teamwork. From concept to completion, UMI delivered a resilient flooring system that aligns with modern medical standards and enhances patient experience.

By combining durable materials, precision detailing, and seamless project execution, Universal Metro once again proved why its healthcare flooring installations are among the most respected in the industry.

Partner With Universal Metro for Healthcare Flooring Excellence

At Universal Metro, we specialize in flooring solutions that meet the demands of complex medical environments—balancing infection control, aesthetics, and durability. The Pomona Valley Hospital Women’s & Children’s Center flooring project is just one example of how our team delivers trusted results for hospitals, surgical centers, and medical facilities throughout California.