“Chilewich flooring is very safe, userfriendly, and the maintenance is easier.
And it looks so much better than carpet!”
Myra Marshall
Executive Director
Golda Meir House
2Life Communities (formerly Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly) builds and manages affordable, non-sectarian housing communities where seniors can live independently. Golda Meir House opened in 1978 as 2Life’s fourth community in Massachusetts. The multifamily property offers a supportive community for older adults that includes social, cultural and recreational programs to facilitate active and healthy aging.
Golda Meir House is comprised of 197 apartments, 174 of which are reserved for low-to-moderate income residents. During a multi-year renovation of the 170,000-square-foot building, which now meets Enterprise Green Communities criteria for eergy and water efficiency, Chilewich flooring was installed in the corridors, elevator lobbies, and dining hall. Boston-based design firm Stefura Associates specified Tiles, Planks, and Rolls in a mix of weaves, colors, and backings.
Easy to navigate.
“It’s non-slip, and that’s major for us. The backing—there’s not too much padding,
just a bit—makes a difference in the feeling underfoot, and with the traction. It’s not
like walking on concrete.”
Myra Marshall
Executive Director
Golda Meir House
The flat-woven surface of Chilewich flooring makes it slip-and trip-resistant. Tiles, planks, and rolls are cut from the same textile product, with a uniform texture and height that allows for contiguous installation to eliminate transition hazards and support mobility devices.
Simple to care for and clean.
“Maintaining the Chilewich flooring is very simple and straightforward—much easier
than carpet. If there’s a spill or someone drops something, you’re not finding stuff
weeks later. We vacuum it, but most things just sit on top, so you can clean it up easily.”
Scott Lawes
Maintenance Supervisor
Golda Meir House
Routine vacuuming keeps Chilewich flooring products in peak condition, and Golda Meir House follows this approach to unkeep. They can be spot cleaned, vacuumed to remove dirt/dust, and extraction cleaned.
Antimicrobial protection.
“We wanted something that would be durable, so if it gets wet, it’s not going to
mold or mildew. The antimicrobial aspect of Chilewich flooring was very important. It’s a great product from a health and safety perspective as well as an aesthetic
perspective.”
Myra Marshall
Executive Director
Golda Meir House
Strengthened by Microban, Chilewich flooring resists stain- and odor-causing microbial growth. The innovative BioFelt backing system features an integrated moisture barrier to prevent spill absorption and inhibit growth of mold and mildew.
Enduring aesthetics.
“Chilewich definitely does not show wear. We used to have to replace all of the
carpeting every five years or so—a big expense. I don’t anticipate doing that now.”
Myra Marshall
Executive Director
Golda Meir House
Designed with both beauty and function in mind, Chilewich textiles retain their distinctive colors and rich textures over many years of use.
“We were considering vinyl plank flooring (LVT), which we already have in one of our function rooms, but with chairs moving and just normal wear, that scratches,” says Marshall.
