Biloxi got what it paid for with mismatched carpet tiles at Saenger Theatre
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Biloxi chose costlier carpet tiles over broadloom despite pattern misalignment.
- Vendor states tiles were approved, installed per manufacturer and contract.
- Public reaction surged after city posted photos; city administration silent.
The carpet tiles at the historic Saenger Theatre in Biloxi appear mismatched to many residents, but vendor Continental Flooring Co. of Scottsdale, Arizona, says the tiles were correctly installed.
“Large-scale historic patterns such as the one selected are traditionally produced and installed as broadloom,” the company said in an email to the Sun Herald. “However, after reviewing the available options, the carpet tile format was selected as part of the approved scope.
“Prior to ordering and installation, the design characteristics of carpet tile—specifically that large patterns will not align seamlessly from tile to tile—were discussed and illustrated through manufacturer imagery. Those visuals were reviewed and approved in advance.
“The installation itself was completed correctly and professionally, in full accordance with the contract documents and the manufacturer’s installation guidelines.”
The city chose the tiles over the broadloom option, even though broadloom cost less. Broadloom is woven on a wide loom and generally refers to wall-to-wall carpet. Carpet tiles at the Saenger cost $73,100, as opposed to $69,099 for broadloom, bid documents show.
Diane Conti, Continental Flooring’s business development director, said tiles are sometimes the preferred option because they are more easily replaced if damaged. But she said the city would need to explain why the tile option was chosen.
Neither Mayor FoFo Gilich nor his administration responded immediately Monday to the Sun Herald’s request for comment about the carpet tiles. City offices were closed Wednesday through Friday of last week for Christmas.
A four-member selection committee was appointed to review and score project bids. Continental was low bidder on the project, which also included bids from South Mississippi companies.
The city proudly displayed photos of the carpet installation on Facebook before Christmas. Commenters quickly jumped in, with many of them savaging the results. By midday Monday, the city’s Dec. 23 post, which included several photos of the carpeting, had garnered 634 comments and been shared more than 90 times.
One of the most recent comments said, “I can’t believe you haven’t found the delete button for this post yet!”
This story was originally published December 29, 2025 at 1:15 PM.
