Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust

Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust - a Project of Belonging

Project Overview

Universal Metro partnered with Ausonio, Inc. to complete the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust activity room floor installation, delivering a durable, high-performance flooring solution for a space designed to serve the Watsonville community.

The activity room is intended for wellness programs, group activities, and community gatherings—making long-term durability, safety, and ease of maintenance essential. From substrate preparation to final seam welding, this project required precision, adaptability, and close collaboration.

Scope of Work

The Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust activity room floor installation involved a full flooring system upgrade over an existing sealed aggregate substrate.

Substrate Preparation

Universal Metro installed an ARDEX cap over the existing surface using ARDEX V-1200and ARDEX P-82. More than 100 bags were applied to achieve a smooth, level foundation capable of supporting sheet vinyl in a high-traffic environment. Proper preparation was critical to ensuring performance, adhesion, and long-term success.

Sheet Vinyl Flooring Installation

After prep was complete, AHF mixed and variegated sheet vinyl was installed throughout the activity room. This material was selected for its resilience, cleanability, and suitability for community and healthcare-adjacent spaces. All seams were heat welded, creating a seamless, hygienic surface designed to withstand daily use.

Challenges Addressed with Care

As with many renovation projects, the Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust activity room floor installation presented unique challenges. Existing conditions required additional attention during preparation, particularly around radiuses and weld detailing. Achieving the architect’s final vision meant refining seam work and returning for multiple punch-list visits.

Through persistence and collaboration, Universal Metro addressed each item thoroughly, ensuring the finished floor met both aesthetic expectations and performance standards. The result is a clean, cohesive installation approved by all stakeholders.

Why These Materials Were Chosen

ARDEX V-1200 & ARDEX P-82 provided a reliable, high-performance prep solution, delivering a stable substrate for long-term durability.
AHF Mixed and Variegated Sheet Vinyl offers visual depth while helping conceal wear—ideal for multi-use community spaces.
Heat welded seams enhance durability, hygiene, and ease of maintenance.

These materials work together to support the functional demands of a busy activity room while maintaining a polished appearance.

A Finished Floor Ready for Community Impact

The completed Pajaro Valley Community Health Trust activity room floor installation delivers a resilient, low-maintenance surface designed for years of use. The finished space now supports the Trust’s mission—providing a safe, welcoming environment for programs that promote health, connection, and community well-being.

Universal Metro is proud to contribute commercial flooring solutions that perform under real-world conditions and support spaces that matter.

Trusted Commercial Flooring Installation

From healthcare and community facilities to education and corporate environments, Universal Metro brings expertise, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to every commercial flooring installation.

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 6

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.

Inside Castaic High School: A State-of-the-Art High School Campus Built for the Future

Castaic High School- A CHPS State-of-the-Art Educational Legacy

Universal Metro is proud to have played a key role in the construction of Castaic High School, a truly state-of-the-art high school campus serving the growing community of Castaic, California. Spanning more than 256,000 square feet across 58 acres, this expansive education project was thoughtfully designed to provide students, educators, and staff with a modern, inspiring learning environment built for performance, wellness, and longevity.

This seven-figure, state-of-the-art high school development designed by Rahnau Clarke Architects, includes five classroom buildings, a STEM-focused science and library center, a gymnasium with athletic training spaces, a performing arts building, a full-service food service facility, an administrative building, and a maintenance hub. Throughout every space, Universal Metro’s flooring expertise helped support the campus vision—delivering durability, comfort, and design continuity across a diverse range of environments.

A Campus Designed for Wellness and Performance

Castaic High School was designed following the USGBC’s CHPS (Collaborative for High Performance Schools) green school standards, integrating energy efficiency, sustainability, and student wellness into every aspect of the campus. As a recognized “Green School,” the project incorporates environmentally responsible design practices that reduce energy use, improve indoor air quality, and support the overall health and comfort of students and staff. Flooring selections were carefully chosen to meet these green school principles, providing durable, low-VOC, and sustainable materials that maintain aesthetic appeal and long-term performance in high-traffic academic and communal spaces.

Armstrong Natural Creations LVT introduced warm, wood- and earth-inspired textures that reflect the surrounding Southern California landscape.
Armstrong Standard Excelon and Raffia VCT delivered resilient, easy-to-maintain solutions for classrooms, corridors, and other high-use areas. enhanced acoustics while adding bold visual interest in libraries, administrative areas, and open collaboration spaces.
Altro slip-resistant flooring ensured safety and performance in sports therapy and athletic support areas.
Tarkett | Johnsonite and Flexco rubber moldings provided seamless transitions and design cohesion throughout the campus.

The flooring palette was intentionally selected to mirror the rolling foothills and high desert environment surrounding the site. Large expanses of natural light further strengthen the connection between interior and exterior spaces, reinforcing the school’s commitment to wellness-driven design.

Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Collaboration

Large-scale education projects often present complex challenges, and Castaic High School was no exception. Universal Metro’s team demonstrated adaptability, coordination, and craftsmanship throughout every phase of construction.

Phased Construction: Buildings were released on a staggered schedule, requiring meticulous tracking of materials, dye lots, and labor to ensure consistency across the entire campus.

Mid-Project Design Evolution: During construction, the school refined its identity and color palette. Universal Metro worked closely with the design team and general contractor to seamlessly integrate updated flooring selections without disrupting the overall timeline.

Weather Impacts: Significant rainfall in 2019 introduced scheduling challenges, which were addressed through proactive planning and flexible execution.

COVID-19 Response: With less than a year remaining, the onset of the pandemic required immediate implementation of PPE, distancing protocols, and jobsite safety measures. Our team adapted quickly to protect workers while maintaining progress toward completion.

Through every challenge, Universal Metro’s installers and project managers upheld the company’s commitment to precision, accountability, and care—ensuring a successful outcome for all stakeholders.

A Lasting Educational Legacy

Today, Castaic High School stands as a benchmark for modern, state-of-the-art educational design, recognized with the 2021 Starnet Design Award – Bronze Winner in Education. The campus supports academic excellence, creative expression, and student wellness, with flooring solutions engineered to perform for decades.

For Universal Metro, this award-winning project exemplifies what we do best: collaborating with project teams to deliver expertly installed flooring that elevates every space and enhances the daily experience of students, teachers, and staff. It’s more than flooring—it’s an award-winning foundation for the future.

Explore More of Our Award Winning Portfolio

Step inside spaces where design meets performance. From vibrant early learning centers to cutting-edge K–12 and higher education campuses, Universal Metro delivers flooring solutions that support safety, durability, and creativity. See how the same precision and craftsmanship elevate hospitality, healthcare, and commercial environments, bringing visions to life across the nation. Explore our portfolio and discover how we build foundations that inspire every day.

USC Wellness Cntr healthcare flooring installation

USC Wellness – General Hospital (Los Angeles, CA)

Project Description

Client:
USC Engemann Student Health Center

Location:
Los Angeles, California

Year Completed:
2014

Project Value:
$ 355,040

Architect:
Chu + Gooding Architects

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Armstrong Flooring Inc.

Project Summary

Vision:
“Historic Wellness”. Re-use of the Historic USC General Hospital, (built in 1926) and sitting vacant for the inability to be earthquake retrofitted in a fiscally responsible manner. Convert the first floor space into a non-acute care Wellness Center to provide Healthcare to the underserved local community with the concept of “wellness related activities and information.”

Design:
Design with modern day neutral color palette products to incorporate the 85 year old beautiful terrazzo wainscot and other stone finishes and add a splash of color to invigorate wellness in the visitors to the Wellness Center tenants: YMCA, Arthritis Foundation and ADA. The project includes way-finding, exterior jogging trails, fitness areas, a dance studio, pilates stations and exercise rooms.

Construction:
Retrofitted concrete slabs from over 85 years of use and varying heights and transitions with Ardex K-15 and Feather Finish. Installed Armstrong Linoleum with heat welded seams in patterns and colors to tie in existing architectural beauty. Creative use of Armstrong Chroma Spin in layouts that tie in the various athletic and healthcare needs of the patients and tenants.

Install:
Universal Metro estimated, budgeted, procured, and installed all floor products on the project: Armstrong Heatwelded Linoleum, Armstrong Chroma Spin VCT, base cove, and Ardex underlayments.

Joshua Medical Center (La Palma, CA)

Project Description

Client:
Joshua Medical Center

Location:
La Palma, California

Year Completed:
2017

Project Value:
$ 694,550

Architect:
Visioneering Studios

Products / Strategic Partners:
Amtico, ARDEX Americas,
Armstrong Flooring Inc., Dal Tile,
Gerflor USA, Tarkett | Johnsonite,
Mannington

Project Summary

Vision:
The Joshua Medical Center job was a coordination effort of many different Starnet vendor teams and materials. Specified by Visioneering Studios in Irvine, Universal Metro was chosen to install Ardex K-15 & GS-4 underlayments in combination with Gerflor resilient, Amtico LVT, Armstrong LVT, Mannington carpet, Johnsonite base, and ceramic from Daltile. This project was a Medical Office Building repurposed to be used as a Medical Center Clinic in the City of La Palma, CA. Joshua Medical Clinic is comprised of a team of physicians and PAs that base their success on their patients’ long-term good health. They believe in personalized and comprehensive health care, through physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. Our team at Universal Metro installed patient rooms, physical therapy rooms and corridors that enabled the Joshua Medical Center to have a seamless feel to their caring healthcare perspective. One of the major challenges that we had at the Joshua Medical Center project was dealing with the various elevations on the existing wood substrate. Considering the unique flooring design proposed, which included curvatures and circular patterns, we decided to engineer a system to remediate the existing wood substrate conditions with application of Ardex primer, topped with Ardex GS-4 in various thicknesses, ranging from 1/8″ to 2″ depths. Consequently, Mannington sheet vinyl was installed on a smooth and flat substrate resulting in an unique design and an authentic finished floor. Another challenge was to install flooring while the facility was at full operation. With that regard, we closely followed a phasing plan in order to keep the business unaffected. The finished project was inspiring as you can see in the photos.

a room with large glass windows, chairs and a US flag

Providence Little Company of Mary (Torrance, CA)

Project Description

Client:
Providence

Location:
Torrance, California

Surface Area:
146,000 SF

Year Completed:
2015

Project Value:
$ 821,925

Architect:
Providence Corporate Real Estate

Products / Strategic Partners:
Amtico, Antron Carpet Fiber, ARDEX Americas,
Burke Flooring, Henry Adhesives, Mannington

Project Summary

Vision:
“ 90 DAY MIRACLE”. Refresh the Providence Healthcare, Little Company of Mary campus in the City of Torrance within a 90 day window, in order to use the available hospital matching fund budget before it expired.

Design:
Required use of Mannington Products as part of the Providence Healthcare buying group program. Developed a plan and design to refresh and maximize the five floors (approximately 150,000 square feet) of this healthcare facility using a $1.6 million dollar budget.

Construction:
Managed the process and installed half of the $1.6 Million dollar project that had to be completed within 90 days in an active running facility. Limited shutdown time with multiple trades from Universal Metro, Inc. working alongside another firm, Golden State Flooring, to complete the project. Attended Daily Meetings and Weekly Strategy Meetings.

Install:
Universal Metro estimated, budgeted, procured, and installed 50% of the floorcoverings, approximately 75,000 square feet of the project, including: Mannington Antron carpet tile, Mannington Biospec, Amtico with a special pattern, Mannington base cove, Ardex Rapid Moisture systems and underlayments. Rory Schneider the project manager for Providence stated in the closeout meeting, “the work you have done in the past 90 days is truly a miracle, thank you.”

Unique Installation Challenge Strategy

The 90 day miracle was born out a special meeting of the following: Providence Project Managers, Providence Design Team, Universal Metro Leadership, Golden State Leadership, LCOM Facilities Team, LCOM Administration and the Mannington Representatives As the team was already in full throttle with their EPIC conversion they were skeptical that any work above $200,000 could be fit into the schedule, let alone 1.6 million. Universal Metro stepped in and partnered with Golden State Flooring (Steve Gaydos) our prior VP. Providence felt comfortable that if any two companies could team up and complete the remodel it would be our partnership (formed from 20 years of friendship). The local Mannington team in tandem with UMI and Providence Design worked to source materials that were available and materials that could be made quickly to keep the production moving. Design flair was achieved with Mannington Scena Carpet tile and Amtico in a three size interplay. The basement moisture levels were solved to using Ardex Rapid as the moisture mitigation system. Daily site and weekly strategic meetings were key in creating space available in a full census hospital. The EPIC director managed all the access to the space needed to work days, nights and weekends.

One Santa Fe (Los Angeles, CA)

Project Description

Client:
Berkshire Communities

Location:
Los Angeles, California

Year Completed:
2016

Project Value:
$ 1,051,000

Architect:
KTGY

Products / Strategic Partners:
American Marazzi, ARDEX Americas,
Dal Tile, J + J Flooring Group,
Tandus Centiva

Project Summary

Vision:
One Santa Fe is situated on the east side of the Art District in Los Angeles and is part of a district-wide initiative to revitalize the area. The modern building counter-balances the industrial feel of the historical elements surrounding the site. The architect created a community that meshes small living with commercial and retail space that allows for ease of living. The products used were intended to mimic the simplicity of the building and allow for the space to flow from inside-out. Our installation recommendations were toward products with color that create a cohesive and functional space while adding a timeless element that will set a precedent for future buildings.

The Judy & Richard Voltmer Sleep Center at Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, CA

Project Description

Client:
Hoag Hospital

Location:
Newport Beach, California

Year Completed:
2010

Architect:
H. Hendy Associates

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Daltile,
Henry Adhesives, Tarkett | Johnsonite

Project Summary

Vision:
The Judy & Richard Voltmer Sleep Center at Hoag Hospital is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide patients with a comfortable and private environment for extensive sleep studies. Universal Metro played a pivotal role in transforming the center, ensuring it reflects Hoag’s commitment to high-quality care and patient comfort. The center features eight private bedrooms, each equipped with its own private bathroom to offer a sense of relaxation and privacy throughout the sleep study process.

Universal Metro’s design team worked closely with Hoag Hospital to create a space that feels more like a luxurious hotel than a clinical setting. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with elegant floor and wall décor, and the luxurious Ralph Lauren linens add a touch of sophistication. By blending high-end aesthetics with functional space, the sleep center fosters a calm, restful environment, perfectly suited for conducting precise sleep studies.

This attention to detail aligns with Hoag’s reputation for providing top-tier medical services, ensuring that patients not only receive the best in diagnostic care but also enjoy an experience that is comfortable, supportive, and designed to make sleep studies as effective as possible.

Flooring That Inspires Young Minds: KidZone Christian Preschool, Santa Fe Springs

Surf, Sand, and Safety: Inside KidZone Christian Preschool’s Ocean-Inspired Flooring

When Four Square Church envisioned a new children’s school and ministry building in Santa Fe Springs, the goal was clear: create a space that would educate hearts and minds for eternity while supporting the everyday realities of early childhood learning. Universal Metro was selected to deliver a KidZone Christian Preschool flooring installation in Santa Fe Springs that blended creativity, safety, and long-term performance—setting the foundation for a space where children could learn, play, and thrive.

Designing a Child-Centered Learning Environment

Early childhood education environments place unique demands on flooring systems. Surfaces must be durable enough to handle constant activity, safe for young children, easy to maintain, and visually engaging. Working closely with Mimi Snowden Design, Universal Metro helped translate the project’s vision into flooring solutions that supported both the educational mission and the architectural intent of KidZone Christian Preschool.

The design concept centered on an oceanic theme, creating a joyful and immersive environment that sparks curiosity and imagination. This theme flows seamlessly throughout the building, reinforcing a sense of wonder while remaining grounded in practical, developmentally appropriate design.

Ocean-Inspired Flooring That Balances Fun and Safety

The flooring design at KidZone Christian Preschool plays a central role in bringing the ocean theme to life. Carefully selected materials and custom details transform floors into storytelling elements that guide children through the space.

Custom-cut porcelain tile flooring forms a playful surf-and-sand motif, visually anchoring classrooms and common areas with movement and color. Shades of blue, paired with natural textures, echo the calming and energizing qualities of the sea. Complementing these surfaces, blue glass mosaic accents add depth and visual interest, reflecting light and reinforcing the aquatic aesthetic.

Safety was a top priority throughout the project. A glow-in-the-dark safety tread system was incorporated in key transition areas and steps, improving visibility and helping guide young children safely through the building during low-light conditions. These subtle but impactful details demonstrate how thoughtful flooring design can enhance both form and function in educational spaces.

Trusted Partners, Proven Performance

Universal Metro collaborated with leading flooring manufacturers and material partners to ensure the project met the highest standards of quality and performance:

ARDEX Americas provided advanced substrate preparation and installation systems, creating a smooth, reliable foundation for every finished surface.
Burke Flooring contributed resilient flooring solutions well-suited for active learning environments where comfort and durability are essential.
Dal Tile supplied porcelain tile products that offered both design flexibility and long-term durability.
Tarkett | Johnsonite delivered specialized products for transitions, bases, and safety components that ensured continuity throughout the space.

Together, these materials support the daily needs of a busy preschool while maintaining the visual integrity of the design.

Precision Installation and Project Coordination

Completed in the fall of 2008, the KidZone Christian Preschool project required careful coordination and attention to detail. Universal Metro’s team managed sequencing with other trades, maintained consistency across custom patterns and finishes, and adhered to strict quality and safety standards appropriate for early childhood facilities.

From substrate preparation to final installation, every phase was executed with precision to ensure the flooring would perform as intended for years to come.

A Lasting Foundation for Learning and Faith

Today, KidZone Christian Preschool stands as a welcoming, engaging environment where children can grow academically, creatively, and spiritually. The flooring serves as both a functional surface and a design element—supporting safety, encouraging exploration, and reinforcing the joyful mission of the space.

For architects, contractors, and institutions seeking expert preschool and education flooring solutions in Southern California, Universal Metro brings decades of experience, craftsmanship, and collaboration to every project.

Explore Our Award-Winning Portfolio

See how Universal Metro delivers expertly installed flooring across education, hospitality, and commercial environments

Santee Education Complex (Los Angeles, CA)

Project Description

Client:
Los Angeles Unified School District

Location:
Los Angeles, California

Year Completed:
2004

Architect:
HMC Group

Awards / Acknowledgements
Starnet Design Award Recipient

Products / Strategic Partners:
ARDEX Americas, Burke Flooring, Tarkett | Johnsonite, Roppe

Project Summary

Vision:
The design of this innovative facility reflects the industrial surroundings it is located in. The linear circulation in and in between the four buildings of the facility are similar to the flows of the adjacent railway, while the landscaped edges of the grounds meander like the nearby riverbed. Inside the buildings, Universal Metro installed flooring products from Azrock, Burke-Mercer, and Roppe.

Portfolio Tag: Starnet