Transforming Orange Grove Center’s Cafeteria and Community Space

At Chattanooga Floor Care, some projects mean a little more to us than others. Our recent work at Orange Grove Center is one of those projects. Orange Grove has been an important part of the Chattanooga community for decades, providing services and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

For this project, we were asked to help transform a cafeteria and community space that plays an important role in the daily lives of the people at Orange Grove. The project was made possible through a generous donation from Epsilon Sigma Alpha, specifically designated to improve the floors in the cafeteria.

Getting Started

When we first began discussing the project, there wasn’t necessarily a clear answer for what the finished floor should look like. There were several possibilities, and finding the right solution required more than simply recommending a flooring product. It became a very consultative process. 

We worked with multiple members of the Orange Grove team to understand how the space was used, what they wanted the finished space to accomplish, and what flooring options made the most sense. We talked through different possibilities, considered the advantages and challenges of each, and ultimately determined that a resinous flake flooring system would provide the combination of durability, appearance, and functionality that the space needed.

Prepping the Floor

The existing floor presented some challenges of its own. The cafeteria had worn tile throughout, with cracks, areas of different-colored tile, and concrete patching materials visible in various places. Before we could install the new floor, the existing tile had to be removed and the underlying surface properly prepared. 

During that process, we also encountered unforeseen environmental conditions that required additional care. We worked closely with the Orange Grove team and brought in other professionals to address those conditions appropriately, so that we could move forward with the flooring installation the right way.

Peeples Residence

The Results

The finished floor is a dramatic transformation. We incorporated Orange Grove’s blue into the flake blend, along with black, white, and gray chips. The result is a glossy, polished-looking surface that completely changes the appearance of the room. 

But the new floor isn’t just about how the room looks. The subtle texture of the flooring also provides an important functional benefit, helping provide slip resistance for the people who use the facility. Most importantly, this isn’t simply a cafeteria. It’s a place where people come together. The space is used for lunch every day, but it also serves as a gathering place for bingo, dances, fellowship, and other community activities. The floor is now part of a space where people spend time together, celebrate, and create memories.

Pryor-Carr Family Patio

A Full Circle

For us, there is an especially meaningful connection to this project. Before Chattanooga Floor Care ever existed, our owner, Matt Jeffery, had the opportunity to volunteer with Orange Grove as a kid. And when our company was first getting started, we had the opportunity to work with Orange Grove by helping maintain their existing floors. To come back years later and be part of transforming this space is a pretty incredible full circle experience. 

We’re proud of the finished floor, but even prouder of what the space represents. We’re grateful to Epsilon Sigma Alpha for making the project possible, to the Orange Grove team for trusting us to help find the right solution, and to everyone who played a role in bringing the project together. 

At Chattanooga Floor Care, we believe the best flooring projects aren’t just about what’s underneath your feet. They’re about understanding how a space is going to be used, solving the challenges along the way, and creating something that serves people well for years to come. We’re proud to have played a small part in making this Orange Grove community space better for the people who use it every day.

Request a quote or give us a call at (423) 708-2517.

Owners Matt & Barry Jeffery