News at PLK Communities

Live Connected

Stay ahead of neighborhood events, community updates, and local information through our PLK Communities news feed! Read up on information about your community and get up to speed on hyper-local highlights with our monthly newsletter articles.

Return To Blog

NAA Recognizes Factory 52 as New Construction Community of the Year Finalist in 2024 Excellence Awards

|

At PLK Communities, we believe in more than just building structures; we strive to create vibrant communities that enrich lives and contribute positively to the surrounding area. Factory 52 in Norwood, Ohio, stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and community engagement. Named a finalist for the National Apartment Association's Excellence Awards for "New Construction Community of the Year," Factory 52 is not just another apartment complex – it's a reimagined landmark that breathes new life into a once-blighted area.

Preserving History:
Factory 52's journey began with the vision of reimagining the former United States Playing Card Company site, which had moved its operations elsewhere over a decade ago. Rather than demolishing the old factory building, we saw an opportunity to salvage and repurpose as much of it as possible. Iconic landmarks like the clock tower and smoke stack were preserved, serving as beacons along the I-71 corridor and reminding passersby of the area's rich industrial heritage.

Community Destination:
From the outset, Factory 52 was designed to be more than just a place to live – it's a vibrant destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and community gatherings. The Gatherall, a 20,000+ square foot innovative food hall with a brewery and 14 food stalls, offers a plethora of international fare, ensuring there's something for everyone. With two on-site breweries, residents and visitors alike can enjoy locally crafted brews while soaking in the ambiance of this bustling community hub.

Diverse Living Options:
One of Factory 52's defining features is its diverse range of living options. From economic studios to sprawling loft units, brand new townhomes to historic loft conversions, there's something to suit every lifestyle and preference. With stunning views of the central park event lawn and unique loft options in the historic factory building, Factory 52 offers a truly unparalleled living experience.

Unrivaled Amenities:
At Factory 52, residents enjoy an unrivaled array of amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. A massive sparkling saltwater pool, sprawling sundeck, opulent resident-only Aqua Lounge, and state-of-the-art 24-hour fitness center are just a few of the highlights. The region's premier faux turf bark park, connected to Ace's Pickleball + Kitchen activity lawn, provides ample opportunities for recreation and socialization.

Community Engagement:
From the outset, Factory 52 has been a collaborative effort between PLK Communities and the Norwood community. We conducted multiple town hall meetings, community engagement surveys, and traffic pattern surveys to ensure that our development aligned with the needs and desires of the local residents. The community has eagerly celebrated every milestone with us, demonstrating their enthusiasm and support for this transformative project.

Sustainability Commitment:
At PLK Communities, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it's a core value that guides everything we do. During the construction of Factory 52, we made a conscious effort to minimize waste and maximize reuse. Ninety percent of materials used were upcycled, over 4.5 miles of asbestos were remediated, and 700,000 bricks were repurposed across the U.S. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond construction; it's woven into the fabric of our community ethos.

Future Growth:
Factory 52 is more than just a static development – it's a dynamic, evolving community that is committed to continued growth and contribution to Norwood and Cincinnati. With plans to double the number of apartments on-site and expand into adjacent parcels, Factory 52 is poised to become an even more significant economic and cultural force in the region. Our vision for the future is one of sustainability, innovation, and community prosperity.

Conclusion:
Factory 52 represents the culmination of PLK Communities' core values – Love, Integrity, Value, Excellence, Philanthropy, Respect, Ownership, Unity, and Drive. From its humble beginnings as a blighted industrial site to its current status as a finalist for the National Apartment Association's Excellence Awards, Factory 52 is a testament to what can be achieved through visionary leadership, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. We are proud of what we have accomplished thus far, and we look forward to continuing our journey of growth, evolution, and positive impact in Norwood and beyond.