Waheep R.Your salesmen was a wonderful guy, then followed your great installers that did the best job ever.

Donna B.Luna just installed new laminate flooring throughout my 1st level of my home. The floors are solid and just love the look! Thank you Luna.

Janet G.I had an awesome experience with Luna. The installers worked like crazy to get all my flooring installed in one day, and the floor looks amazing!

Jennifer C.How wonderful! We loved our carpet and your team did an excellent job on our hardwood. Thanks.

George G.The installers were very professional and courteous! They did a great job and paid close attention to details! I would definitely recommend them!

Waheep R.Your salesmen was a wonderful guy, then followed your great installers that did the best job ever.

Buzz W.Great work and quality! 110% satisfied the best!

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Luna - Shop Smart, Shop Luna - Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate

Carpet Installation Cost Checklist

The cost of carpet installation will increase or decrease based upon a number of factors. Here are a list of factors that will impact the cost:

1. Carpet grade. The cost of carpet installation will vary depending on the grade of carpet you choose. There are many different colors and styles to choose from, including plush, shag, wool and Berber. The most affordable options are often made out of synthetic materials or acrylic and usually have an anticipated life span of 5 years. Mid-grade and premium carpets are more durable and tend to be made with nylon or polyester. They can be expected to last upwards of 10-15 years.

2. Room features. Installation prices will vary based on the shape of the room. You should expect to pay more for custom installation that can accommodate for staircases and odd-shaped rooms. Rectangular and square rooms with only 4 corners tend to be more affordable.

3. Moving furniture. Most carpet installers will expect you to relocate heavy furniture before they arrive to install carpet. You should not expect this service to be included in the price of installation.

4. Stairs. You should expect to pay more when carpeting steps and staircases as it requires more time and labor to install. The cost will vary depending on the number and type of steps, in addition to the type of carpet being used.

5. Padding. Padding is usually included in the cost of carpet installation; however, there are a variety of options to choose from with varying degrees of density, thickness, and comfort. Padding can be used to minimize creaking of the subfloors or to simply make the carpet more comfortable to walk on. Generally, the more expensive options are denser and more durable. They also have the potential to extend the life of the carpet.

6. Waste removal. The removal and disposal of existing carpets is generally included in the cost of installation. Installers may be able to recycle your old carpet, but this can vary by company or geographically.

7. Subfloor preparation. If there is damage to the subfloor, it should be repaired before the carpet installers arrive. A carpenter may need to replace floorboards or make other adjustments to ensure that the floors are level prior to carpet installation.

8. Tack strips, trim and base moldings. Tack strips, used to stretch and fasten the carpet to the ground, are usually included in the price of installation. However, it may be more expensive to install these strips on non-wood subfloors like concrete. Consumers should also expect to pay an additional fee for any custom or specialized moldings. Floor and wall base moldings are typically not included as part of a standard quote.

9. Door trimming. It is possible that existing doors may not open and close properly after carpet installation. They may need to be trimmed at the bottom in order for the doors to swing correctly again. The cost can vary depending on the material of the door, but it is a job for a professional and it should not be done without the proper tools.

10. Transitions. Transitions occur wherever one type of flooring meets another. The carpet may meet hardwood floors or simply another type of carpet. Basic transitions between rooms should be included in the cost of installation, but any custom work may incur an additional fee. Some may only cost a few dollars whereas more ornate options may run a little higher.

>Get a Free Carpet Installation Cost Estimate from a Local Carpet Cleaner

Carpet Installation Cost Estimate Checklist

When evaluating a cost estimate from carpet installation, here are some items to consider:

1. What is included with installation? Each company will have its own menu of services. The important thing is for you to know exactly what will and will not be included in the price of installation. Such as:

- Removal and disposal of existing carpet- Tack strips and trim installation- Door cutting- Padding- Clean-up- Extra carpet for future repairs- Subfloor preparation- Furniture relocation- Surcharge for stairs

2. What should basic installation include? Basic carpet installation usually includes the removal and disposal of existing carpet, the installation of new padding and carpet, and cleanup. Tack strips and trim installation are included, but consumers should expect to pay extra for stairs and uniquely shaped rooms.

3. What is the life span of the carpet? Economy-grade carpets are more reasonably priced, but may only last 5 years. Premium carpets will last 10-15 years.

4. How much foot traffic will the carpeted area see? It is important to choose a carpet that fits the needs of the room. High density, durable carpets that are much easier to clean and work well in high traffic areas like hallways and living spaces. Additionally, good padding can add years to the life span of your carpet so upgrading may be a viable option. A more expensive, designer carpet may be better suited for a formal dining room that experiences light traffic.

>Get A Free Carpet Installation Cost Estimate

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Carpet Installation Costs & Prices - ProMatcher Cost Report

Steps

Part 1

1

Your first step is to get rid of the old carpet. Start by removing the moldings around the floor and take the door off the entrance, so you can get the old carpet out and the new carpet in easier. Give the old carpet a good vacuuming so you won't be breathing in dust, and then use a utility knife to cut the carpet into strips about 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2m) wide (most cities require that for pick up)

2

Start at one end and pull the carpet off the tackless strips and roll it up in sections. Some people feel that you can reuse the existing underlay, but in most cases it will be worn out just like the carpet, so you're better off getting rid of it as well.

3

DO NOT REMOVE THE TACKSTRIPS and make sure the floor is clean and dry. This is a good time to check your sub-floor and securely fasten any floorboards that may be loose so they won't squeak under the new carpet (use 1 1/2" screws into the underlying floor joists).

4

Install new tackless strips if it is new construction or you are going over hardwood floor or vinyl around the perimeter of the room, but not in front of doorways. Leave a space of about 1/2" between the strips and the wall, and be sure the pins or tacks face towards the wall. (They're called tackless strips even though they have two or three rows or very sharp tacks, because using these "tackless strips" means you don't need to "tack" carpet down.) At corners, make sure the tackless strips are butted tightly against each other.

Part 2

1

Put the under pad down in strips that butt up to or reach the tackless strips. Butt the strips against each other - don't overlap them - then staple the underlay down along the inside edge of the tackless strip. Trim the excess underlay along the inside of the tackless strip and use duct tape to seal the seams. a small bead of glue can be used on concrete floors to hold the pad in place.

Part 3

1

Part 4

1

If your room is wide enough that you're going to need another piece of carpet, follow the same process with the second piece - measure, mark and trim. Be sure the carpet pile is running the same way in both pieces, and that the carpet piece is large enough to overlap the wall by 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2cm), as well as overlapping the first piece of carpet by 4 to 6 inches (10.2 to 15.2cm). (Try to layout your carpet pieces so the seams won't be in noticeable areas, but obviously sometimes that just isn't possible.)

2

Where the carpet pieces will join, overlap the two pieces, and then using a utility knife or a rented seam cutter, cut through both pieces of carpet, ensuring the edges will match exactly. After cutting the carpet, center a piece of seaming tape on the floor underneath where they join, adhesive side up. Use the seaming iron to activate the adhesive (the iron goes on the tape, not on top of the carpet), and then butt the edges together and seal the seam with a rolling pin or a carpet roller.

Part 5

1

Use a knee kicker to attach the carpet along one edge. A knee kicker is a solid metal tool about 18" long with "teeth" that will grip the carpet on one end, and a heavily padded "butt" on the other. Place the toothed end of the kicker about 3" from the wall and drive your knee forcefully into the padded end of the tool. This will stretch the carpet over the tackless strip where the tacks will grab it and hold it firmly in place.

2

A carpet stretcher will finish attaching the carpet. A carpet stretcher is similar to knee kicker, but much longer. Put one end of the carpet stretcher against the wall where the carpet is already attached and place the other end about 6 inches (15.2cm) from the far wall. The carpet stretcher also has teeth to grip the carpet, and when you push on the activation lever, it will stretch the carpet over the tackless strip near the far wall.

3

Work your way around the room stretching the carpet over the tackless strips, and trim the carpet near the wall with a utility knife or a wall trimmer.

Part 6

1

Using a stair tool, tuck the carpet down into the gap between the tackless strips and the wall. At the doorway, trim the carpet so the edge is centered under the closed door and install a door edge strip. Finally, cut any vent openings and install the molding on the baseboards.

2

That's it. Stretch your back, check to see if your knees still work, and then take some time to admire what all your hard work has accomplished.

3

Finished.

Is it necessary to remove all the moldings before installing new carpet?

James Steve Fair

No, but if you don't remove them, the chance of them being nicked or damaged is very high.

Can I just put new carpet on top of the old carpet?

wikiHow Contributor

That's not what's normally done and would not be considered a quality job. If you don't care, and are just doing it for yourself (as opposed to potential future residents), you can do it. Keep in mind that it will be harder to attach the new carpet with old carpet underneath, the surface of the carpet may not be as smooth, and you may trap dirt and mold between the two carpets, among other potential problems.

How do I cut out a piece of ruined carpet by the doorway and just leave floor bare?

James Steve Fair

That's not usually done. Typically when there is a ruined piece of carpet, the most common procedure is to do a patch (AKA a cut and plug). This is usually done by cutting out the piece of carpet that is damaged in either a round or square shape and cutting out an identically shaped piece from a closet or extra piece of carpet and swapping them. However, this is not an easy process if you have never done it. For small, round patches, there's a tool called a cookie cutter -- it's about 3-4 inches in diameter. The backing must meet up perfectly or the patch will look horrible.

Is it okay to varnish the concrete underneath carpet?

James Steve Fair

I don't see why not as long as it is completely cured before laying the carpet, but I don't know that it would serve any purpose.

How do I take the old carpet out?

wikiHow Contributor

With a utility knife, cut sections around the wall to pull up. Cut into smaller pieces for disposal.

Are transition strips required all around the room for wood flooring strips?

wikiHow Contributor

Transition strips are not necessary. You can tuck the carpet right to your hardwood floor. Transition strips would make it look better, however.

Do I use tack strips between carpet and laminate?

James Steve Fair

Anytime you are installing carpet to a wall or type of hard surface, you want to use tackstrip to keep the carpet from pulling away and leaving a gap.

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How to Install Carpet: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

Youve learned all there is to know about carpet, shopped smart, made your best choice, and now its just a matter of waiting for the installers, right?

You know better, of course. The next step is to be knowledgeable and prepared for the big day when the new carpeting will transform your home.

Being ready for the installation of your carpet will make the entire process go faster and more efficiently.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared will also be a lot less stressful on you, your family and your home.

Carpet installation is a skill that is developed through years of experience, so using professional installers is just plain smart. Also, understanding the basics of carpet installation will increase your knowledge of the process and enhance your confidence in the professionals working in your home. Some of these basics follow.

This shows the overall layout of the carpet, the correct placement of seams and transitions, and assists them in the preparation and cutting of the carpet.

While seams are inevitable, its the professionals who excel at minimizing and hiding seams. They call on years of experience and tried and true methods. Case in point: theyll insure seams are placed away from areas subjected to pivoting traffic, and not run seams perpendicular to doorway openings.

Some carpet styles can show the placement of the seam tape more than others. This is referred to as telegraphing, or peaking, and it is particularly noticeable in low cut pile and looped carpets. A seam may be excellent and considered tight but can still be seen.

You should keep in mind that, occasionally, additional carpet must be ordered to better match patterns at the seams, which will add to the cost.

The pros know what to do about transitions. When two different flooring products meet say, carpeting and a hardwood floor its called a transition. Your professional installers will try to match the surface heights of various flooring products to minimize transitions.

Furniture is step one. Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be carpeted. Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an additional charge for doing so.

Before moving, youll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets and the like.

Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time consuming and messy task. We would be happy to discuss removal options with you.

If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation. If removing old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.

You should know that, in many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for carpet installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge and they will probably not be responsible for damage or beakage due to dry or brittle wood.

Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.

Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the carpet, or a new subfloor may be required. This is a job best left to the professionals and, again, we can help you with these decisions.

When carpeting is installed, theres always the possibility that the doors, especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new carpet and swing free. Another thing to keep in mind is how the color of carpet affects the apparent size of the room. Lighter colored carpet will visually expand the size of the room. Darker carpeting will seem to bring the walls closer together, and create a more intimate feeling.

Some installers will remove doors in order to install the carpet and re-hang them if possible. They probably wont shave or cut down doors to insure clearance. You may need to arrange for a qualified carpenter to provide this service after the installation of your new carpet.

Installing new carpet will produce waste.

Usually these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Check with your retailer before the day of installation so youre clear about the clean up, if there are added costs to do so, and ask about the plan for carpet remnants.

Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case the installation crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct carpet is installed in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, some installers may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival. We suggest you be flexible and keep in touch with your retailer/installer.

Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.

We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation, you walk thru the job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear on any final details.

If you are sensitive to odors, good ventilation should be established. Some of the chemicals used in the construction of carpet, as well as the adhesives or hot melt seaming tapes, can have an odor for as long as 48 to 72 hours after installation. So be prepared to provide the room with adequate ventilation.

Shedding is a natural part of a new carpet. Frequent vacuuming for the first few days should remove any loose fibers from the carpets surface.

Sprouting refers to small tufts or loops of carpet that become visible after the installation. Use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim the loose fibers flush with the surface of the carpet.

Finally, if wrinkles or ripples appear in the carpet, it may be necessary to re-stretch the carpet. Please contact us to have this done professionally.

We want you to be as knowledgeable and well prepared as possible for the installation of your new carpet. It will make that day easier on you and your home and provide you with an enjoyable floor covering experience for years to come.

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Carpet Installation

LA Carpet Installation gives you nothing but the best carpeting at the best price with the best installation! We are regarded as the leading carpet installers in Los Angeles. You can always expect honesty with the best quality carpets to choose from.

Our Los Angeles Carpet Installers have assisted numerous homeowners and business owners with all their carpet installation needs. We can provide you with a variety of carpeting options and popular colors to choose from that will help you give your home or business an entirely new look and feel.

When you are looking for new carpeting in your home, condo, loft, townhome or office, we will be able to assist you no matter how big the space is.

Not only does LA Carpet Installation replace carpeting, but we also do carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, drapery and mattress cleaning, air duct cleaning and tile and grout cleaning.

We will be able to serve all your carpet and cleaning needs; all at one place LA Carpet Installation the Los Angeles Area #1 Resource for High Quality Products and Service!

We are professional carpet installers who know and appreciate carpeting. Not only do we do great installation work we have your carpeting in mind and can help you properly maintain it with every two-year carpet cleaning or annual carpet cleaning for those who live in your home who suffer from allergies or asthma.

After about 10 years, you may decide it is time to replace your carpeting especially if it is no longer full of life and is flat. Do you have a dog or cat and there is carpet damage, excess urine stains? You may be ready to replace your carpet to have a nice fresh carpet. When urine soaks through to the patting, it is probably time to change your carpeting.

Once you have new carpeting, you want sure to protect your investment by having us clean it regularly for you. Carpeting is a place where dirt, dust, bacteria, food, allergens and other pollutants like to hide. This could be a problem for those who suffer from allergies or asthma. Therefore, it is important to keep up with the cleaning of your carpet.

We also clean upholstery. If you have your carpet cleaned regularly, it is probably a good idea to have your upholstery cleaned too! Just like carpet, upholstery fibers do retain dirt, dust, stains, bacteria, food, pollens and other pollutants. It is a good idea to have your furniture cleaned when you have your carpeting cleaned. This will ensure your home will be a cleaner and safer environment for your family.

This also applies to those who have a rug in their home. If you have a rug, then you should clean it professionally when you have your carpeting professionally cleaned by Los Angeles Carpet Cleaners. Rugs also hide dirt, dust, bacteria, pollens and other pollutants as people track on the rug like they do on the carpeting. Our carpet technicians know exactly how to take care of rugs and will be able to make your rug look more beautiful than it already does.

No matter whatever it is you need in your home or business; carpet installation, carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, upholstery cleaning, tile & grout cleaning, mattress cleaning, drapery cleaning or anything else that we can help you with, LA Carpet Installation will be your one-stop destination for all your carpeting and cleaning needs! Call LA Carpet Installation today and let us schedule an appointment to visit your location for an estimate.

WHY LA CARPET INSTALLTION:

Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, East Los Angeles, Walnut Park, Huntington Park, Maywood, Commerce, Bell, 90001, 90002, 90003, 90004, 90005, 90006, 90007, 90008, 90010 90011, 90012, 90013, 90014, 90015, 90016, 90017, 90018, 90019, 90020, 90021, 90023, 90024, South Pasadena, Monterey Park, South Gate, Cudahy, Glendale, West Hollywood, Bell Gardens, Alhambra and Westmont.

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LA Carpet Installation - Carpet Installation Services in Los ...

The most important day in the life of your new carpet is the day it is installed.

The professional carpet installer, or carpet mechanic, is seldom given the respect he deserves. Installing carpet in a residence requires a complex knowledge of people skills, technical ability, craftsmanship, as well as a strong back. If the person who comes to your door looks likekerbochances are you are not going to get a very good installation.

The most important tool your carpet mechanic will use is thepower stretcher! Todays backings do not allow the use of aknee kickeralone. In fact, if your mechanic does not use a power stretcher, your new carpet will develop wrinkles in less than six months. Gone are the good old days of soft flexible jute backings that can be Knee Kicked in. Jute is not often available for carpet backings in this country.

The second most important tool your carpet mechanic will use is his brain. The man who is really a craftsman will be able to visualize the correct layout of your carpet, thereby optimizing the use of seams in your new carpet. His expertise will make sure all the material is running the correct direction. If a salesman tells you that a carpet is non directional, run from this person; he is lying to you.

Note that mills are requiring carpets to be installed in accordance with CR-105 (the Carpet and Rug Institutes installation bible). Some of the more important features of CR-105 are requiring a power stretcher be used, seams be sealed, and tack strip be properly positioned. There are qualified carpet installers out there. Do your homework.

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Carpet Installation - Carpet Classics

All Flooring Soft comfort

Choose carpet for a look that's versatile, luxuriously livable and absolutely affordable. Carpet gives a home the best of both worlds: comfort and performance. Plus it's available in a variety of styles, colors and textures to suit any taste and every lifestyle.

Carpet is one of the most popular ways to add comfort and style to your home. Deciding what type of carpet is best for you can be difficult. Luckily, we offer hundreds of styles for you to choose from. We guarantee that you will be able to find the style that you are looking for.

Updating your carpet gives your space a homey atmosphere with a warm, comfortable, and cozy feel underfoot. There are many benefits to this stylish flooring including reducing the transfer of heat and cold through floors and creating a sound barrier by absorbing sounds rather than amplifying them.

Visible soil and vacuum marks on carpet can be minimized with todays popular flecked texture or pattern styles.

This might come as a surprise, but when carpet is properly maintained and cleaned, it can actually be beneficial for allergy suffers. Carpet traps dust and allergens in its fibers, making it less present in the air we breathe.

RiteRug Flooring offers both local showrooms and in home shopping services. Try in home shopping to see how your new flooring will look with your dcor, furniture and paint colors.

Some samples may not be available at all locations, but can be ordered upon request.

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Carpet - Carpeting - Loop - Berber - Pattern - Texture - Rite Rug

MPS Group Inc. spent 15 years operating as a minority-owned pass-through, winning valuable automotive contracts then subcontracting the work out, often to companies that weren't minority-owned.

MPS chased contracts, expanding from waste management and industrial cleaning to warehouse management and even carpet installation. The result was MPS operated seven divisions, was expert in only a few, and struggled to turn a profit.

But in 2010, it hired a new CEO, cut product lines and reorganized under a new model bringing more work in-house and diversifying its customer base that helped the Farmington Hills-based company triple annual revenue in the past three years to $101 million, with $50 million in contracts waiting to be signed.

MPS represents a shift in how minority-owned companies are doing business a new model supported by local automakers, suppliers and trade groups to build a more sustainable, profitable minority-owned "ecosystem."

"All that time, MPS were leveraging that minority status to its own demise," said Edward Schwartz, president and CEO hired by majority owner Charlie Williams in 2010 from TriMas Corp. "We're proud of the certification, but we didn't want it to be the sole reason a customer chose us. Now we get the business because we're the most competitive bidder, and oh, we happen to be have the bonus of being minority-owned."

Michelle Sourie Robinson, CEO of the Detroit-based Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council, which certifies minority-owned enterprises, said the organization has been working for the past several years to end pass-through organizations and is recently focusing on building larger minority companies in the supply chain.

"Years ago, it was unheard of to see a $1 billion (minority-owned) business and the (automakers) tried a lot of different ways, to their credit, to move the needle for these business owners, but a symptom of slow-growth were these pass-throughs," she said. "We've gone in and audited our members and threatened to take away certification. It's gone away, and we're seeing many of them becoming more sophisticated and create the wealth that it takes to kill many ills in the minority community."

MMSDC launched in 2015 what it calls its Transformation Project to help automakers and large suppliers identify well-positioned minority-owned enterprises capable of sustainable growth in hopes they become major players in the industry.

"Buyers are using fewer suppliers, that's a reality, so we've got to focus on the minority businesses that are scalable," Robinson said. "We're working with the major automakers in the region to identify, grow and groom these companies now to create an ecosystem where MBEs are using other MBEs throughout the supply chain."

Robinson predicts in the next two years a group of up to 15 suppliers will be part of the program, building the minority-supply base below them.

"They will have their own leverage to build this community," she said. "No one will be buying products from them because they are minority status, but because they are a great company that happens to be a minority-owned."

Redford Township-based supplier Piston Group, owned by former Detroit Pistons guard Vinnie Johnson, is a recent example of a minority-owned supplier transitioning from a commodity enterprise into a full-fledged manufacturer.

With the help of Ford Motor Co., Piston closed on a $175 million acquisition of Takata Corp. subsidiary Irvin Automotive Inc. in September 2016. The deal made Piston the largest minority-owned supplier in the region with expectations to reach revenue of $2.8 billion by 2018, nearly five times the size of the business in 2012 at $570 million.

Piston has been growing with contracts from Ford and others in recent years. In 2012, Johnson's other entity, V. Johnson Enterprises LLC, announced the formation of a new joint venture with Valeo SA called Detroit Thermal Systems LLC.

Expansion with Ford is expected to continue this year with the addition of lithium-ion battery pack assembly. Piston will assemble packs from LG Chem and Panasonic for use in Ford's plug-in-electric vehicle lineup before extending to its battery-electric vehicles, Johnson told Crain's.

The supplier also planned to open two new plants in the next 12 months, supporting FCA US LLC and Toyota Motor Corp.

Dave Andrea, executive vice president of research for Ann Arbor-based nonprofit Center for Automotive Research, said more and more minority-owned suppliers are beginning to move toward true manufacturing capabilities, opposed to assembly operations, like Piston once focused on, which are more susceptible to cuts in a car sales downturn.

"For many years, automakers didn't focus on the customer-supplier relationship; the focus was on securing a prescribed number of what the minority spend should be for the purchasing group," Andrea said. "This overwhelmed a lot of minority suppliers and overextended them, dangerously. Now there's less focus on the service side of the minority spend and more concentration on the true value-added manufacturing companies. Any large supplier or automaker will be under pressure to consolidate the supply base with the ups and downs of the cycle. These minority suppliers are now beginning to hold themselves up with core qualities, and that's how you keep yourself in the supply chain with the customers."

Reducing its offerings from seven business lines to only two total waste management and industrial cleaning did just that for MPS Group. It also centralized its purchasing department, saving the company $1.4 million in 18 months.

"Our strategy became protect what we're good at and improve performance," Schwartz said. "Now we're established in automotive and now we can do more to diversify into other industries."

MPS Group is currently bidding on contracts for companies in the pharmaceutical, natural gas and oil refinery industries.

"When we started this process, we walked away from revenue," Schwartz said. "That isn't happening anymore because we're in the right businesses with the right customers."

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New model bolsters minority-owned firms - Crain's Detroit Business

This fall, the Arden Theater in Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood turns 30 years old. To mark the occasion, it has brought on a small, startup theater company to be its artist in residence this season.

The Arden is paying forward an opportunity it received thirty years ago.

In the mid-1980s, Terry Nolan, Amy Murphy and Aaron Posner wanted to start a new theater company, but had no space, no audience, and not very much money. They got a big shot in the arm at the Walnut Street Theater, which offered them a 2-year residency in its third floor black-box theater.

"It was incredible," recalled Nolan. "We could focus on what we were doing and the relationships we were creating with artist and audiences, but when it came to space and rehearsing and performing, audiences knew where to find us."

The Arden has since become one of Philadelphia's most popular theaters. In 1995 it built its own theater on 2nd Street, with two stages. In 2013 it opened a second building - the Hamilton Family Arts Center - a few door down.

This fall it will debut a third a third performance space, the Bob and Selma Horan Studio, a flexible black box with about 80 seats.

Two decades ago, when it first opened its new home in Old City, the Arden invited a then-upstart theater company 1812 Productions to be in residence. 1812 has since established itself as an all-comedy company with year-round programming.

For its 30 anniversary, the Arden is bringing on another theater company that could use a boost.

Kashmir Goins founded GoKash productions a decade ago, and has kept it floating on little more than his own energy. He acts as writer, producer, director and performer - sometimes simultaneously.

"I had this burn in side me. There would be no peace if I didn't explore it," he said.

He also works in the pharmaceutical industry, has a carpet installation company, created a child day care, and has owned and managed several real estate properties.

"I like to be maxed out," said Goins.

A few years ago he quit his pharmaceutical sales job to focus to make a run at making theater full-time. But it didn't work out - not because he couldn't handle it. Rather, he didn't have enough balls in the air.

"At the end of that two years, I found I don't like this full-time theater thing," he said. "I like it when I'm working, and I do this when I can. It was a weird thing."

He has been producing theater semi-regularly for a decade, in various locations around town - mostly the Adrienne Theater, Plays and Players, and his alma mater, Lincoln University. Every show is a hustle for available space and time.

The residency at the Arden gives him something his theater career never had: stability. He knows where he is going to be for the next year. He knows he will have rehearsal time, and time to get the sound and lighting. He knows the box office will be taken care of, and the marketing.

"By being here, I have a home," he said. "I'm not scrounging for rehearsal space. I'm not moving in the day before the first show."

He even gets to have preview performances, the first of which begins Wednesday: "Seventy IV Seconds....to Judgement" is an original play about a courtroom jury hearing a second degree murder case. To break their deadlock, they decide to re-enact the crime to get a better sense of what happened, in the process revealing their individual prejudices about race and class.

After two previews, it will open Friday for a three-week run.

In the spring, Goins will re-stage, "Five to Ten," an original script concerning African-American prison populations.

"Five to Ten" was the play that first got Nolan's attention when he saw it at Plays and Players a few years ago. After seeing it, he started talking to Goins about the possibility of a company residency at the Arden.

"He doesn't have to focus on box office, keeping the place clean, turning the lights on," said Nolan. "Audiences will be attracted by the opportunity to come to this exciting new company doing work on our stages."

Read the rest here:
Arden Theater celebrates 30 years by returning to its roots and ... - Newsworks.org

A project intended to spice up downtown has instead stunk it up, say some who spend time near the city's pop-up park on Curtis Street and Santa Cruz Avenue.

The pop-up park is a temporary installation of a large astroturf carpet and some lawn furniture, including brightly colored Adirondack chairs. Over the last two years, it has been rolled out downtown perpendicular to Santa Cruz Avenue previously on Chestnut Street, and now on Curtis Street. The mini-park takes up roughly an entire block and eliminates vehicle access and parking there.

Loren Dakin, whose office at 1075 Curtis St. abuts the park, has a front-row seat to observe the park's frequent desecration by people's pets.

He called the park a health hazard and told the Almanac he's seen both dogs relieve themselves and toddlers eat Cheerios off the ground at the park.

In August, he paid for tests to be conducted at the mini-park by Patriot Environmental Laboratory Services Inc., which has an office in San Jose. The tests showed elevated coliform bacteria levels at three spots on the astroturf.

E. coli, a particularly dangerous coliform bacteria, was not found. Coliform bacteria are associated with sewage or fecal contamination.

On Aug. 22, he presented the council with the test findings of the investigation. "It's a cesspool," he said.

Bill Frimel, who also works in the building at 1075 Curtis St., said that human trash and waste can also be observed at the park. He noted that in addition to public health concerns, he is frequently disturbed from his work by frustrated drivers cutting through the parking lot, new noise from kids and street performers, and transient people who spend time at the park night and day.

A smattering of other people spoke at the Aug. 22 council meeting in favor of removing the park and restoring the street to its former use.

Bob McNamara, a former councilman and mayor, told the council: "Many residents, business owners and retailers have told me the park has had a negative impact on the adjacent area. ... These are the very people in the community that you're trying to help, so you should trust their perspective."

Mr. Frimel also said the park is maintained regularly by city staff and that the astroturf was seen being power-washed on Aug. 30.

The matter has not yet been scheduled for council discussion, City Manager Alex McIntyre said Aug. 31.

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Originally posted here:
Menlo Park: Tests show elevated bacteria levels at pop-up mini-park downtown - The Almanac Online