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I 29.84: 32 Q O PRESERVATION Q£ BRIEFS Making Historic Properties Accessible Thomas C. Jester and Sharon C. Park, AIA FEDERAL I: *U8UC DOCUMENTS U.S.DepartmentoftheInterior Of^OSiTORY. ITEM National ParkService Cultural Resources PreservationAssistance NOV 23 1993 Historically, mostbuildings and landscapeswerenot de- decorativexjpwamental hardware, and narrow pathways and signed tobe readily accessible forpeoplewithdisabilities. corridors, posebarriers topersons withdisabilities, In recentyears,however,emphasishasbeenplaced on particularly to wheelchairusers (See Figure 1). pthreesseerpvrionpgerhtiisetsor—icaanlldytshiegnaicftiicvainttiepsrwoipetrhtiinest,haenmd—omnormeaking A three-step approachis recommended to identify and implementaccessibility modifications thatwill protectthe accessibleto peoplewith disabilities. With the passage of integrity and historic characterofhistoricproperties: the Americans with DisabilitiesActin 1990, access to properties opento thepublicisnowa civil right. 1) Review thehistorical significance oftheproperty and identifycharacter-definingfeatures; This PreservationBriefintroduces the complex issue of providingaccessibility athistoricproperties, and 2) Assess theproperty's existingand required level of underscores theneed tobalance accessibility and historic accessibility; and preservation. Itprovides guidanceon makinghistoric properties accessiblewhilepreserving theirhistoric 3) Evaluate accessibility options withina preservation context. character; theBriefalso provides examples to show that independentphysical accessibilityathistoricpropertiescan 1) Review the Historical Significance ofthe Property be achieved with careful planning,consultation, and Ifthepropertyhasbeen designated ashistoric (properties sensitivedesign. While the Brieffocusesprimarilyon thatarelisted in, oreligible for listinginthe National makingbuildings and theirsites accessible, italso includes a RegisterofHistoric Places, or designated underStateorlocal section onhistoriclandscapes. The Briefwill assisthistoric law), theproperty's nomination file shouldbe reviewed to propertyowners, designprofessionals, and administrators learnabout its significance. Localpreservationcommissions inevaluatingtheirhistoricproperties so thatthehighest and State Historic PreservationOfficescan usuallyprovide level ofaccessibilitycanbeprovidedwhileminimizing changes tohistoricmaterials and features. Because many projects encompassingaccessibilityworkarecomplex, itis advisable to consultwith expertsin the fields ofhistoric preservation and accessibilitybeforeproceedingwith permanentphysical changes tohistoric properties. Modificationsto historicproperties to increaseaccessibility maybe as simple as a small, inexpensive ramp toovercome oneentrance step, ormayinvolve changes to exteriorand interiorfeatures. The Briefdoesnotprovidea detailed explanationoflocal orState accessibilitylaws as theyvary fromjurisdiction tojurisdiction. A conciseexplanationof several federal accessibilitylaws is included onpage 13. Planning Accessibility Modifications Historicproperties are distinguishedby features, materials, spaces, and spatial relationships thatcontribute to their Figure 1. It is importanttoidentifythematerials,features,andspaces historiccharacter. Often theseelements, such as steep thatshouldbepreservedwhenplanningaccessibilitymodifications. These terrain, monumental steps,narrow orheavy doors, mayincludestairs, railings,doors,anddoorsurrounds. Photo:National ParkServicefiles. — copiesofthenomination file and arealsoresources for All applicableaccessibil—ityrequirements local codes,State additional information and assistance. Review ofthe codesand federal laws shouldbereviewed carefully written documentationshould alwaysbesupplemented beforeundertakingany accessibility modification. Since with a physical investigation to identifywhichcharacter- manyStates and localitieshave theirownaccessibility defining features and spacesmustbe protectedwhenever regulations and codes (eachwiththeirownrequirements anychangesareanticipated. Ifthelevel ofdocumentation fordimensions and technicalrequirements), owners should fora property's significance islimited, itmaybenecessary use themoststringentaccessibilityrequirementswhen tohavea preservationprofessional identify specifichistoric implementingmodifications. TheAmericans with features, materials,and spaces thatshouldbeprotected. DisabilityActAccessibilityGuidelines (ADAAG) is the documentthatshouldbeconsulted whencomplying with Formosthistoricproperties,the constructionmaterials, the the Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) requirements. form and styleoftheproperty,theprincipalelevations,the majorarchitecturalorlandscape features, and theprincipal 3) Identify and Evaluate Accessibility Options within a public spacesconstitutesomeoftheelements thatshould Preservation Context bepreserved. Everyeffortshouldbemade tominimize Once a property's significantmaterials and featureshave damage to thematerials and features thatconvey a beenidentified,and existingand required levelsof property'shistorical significancewhenmaking accessibilityhavebeenestablished, solutionscanbe modifications foraccessibility. Verysmallorhighly developed (SeeFigure3). Solutions should provide the significantpropertiesthathave neverbeenaltered maybe greatestamountofaccessibilitywithoutthreateningor extremely difficulttomodify. destroyingthosematerials and features thatmakea Secondary spaces and finishes and features that maybeless property significant. Modifications mayusuallybephased importantto thehistoriccharactershould alsobe over time asfundsare available, and interim solutions can identified; thesemaygenerallybealtered without beconsidered until morepermanentsolutions are jeopardizingthehistorical significanceofa property. Non- implemented. Ateam comprised ofpersonswith significantspaces, secondarypathways, later additions, disabilities, accessibilityandhistoricpreservation previously altered areas, utilitarianspaces, and service professionals, andbuildinginspectors shouldbeconsulted areascanusuallybemodified without threateningor as accessibility solutions aredeveloped. destroyingaproperty'shistoricalsignificance. Modificationsto improve accessibilityshould generallybe 2) Assess the Property's Existing and Required Level based onthe followingpriorities: ofAccessibility 1) Makingthemainoraprominentpublic entrance Abuildingsurveyorassessmentwillprovidea thorough andprimarypublic spacesaccessible,includinga evaluationofa property's accessibility. Mostsurveys path to theentrance; identifyaccessibilitybarriers inthe following areas: 2) Providingaccess to goods, services,and programs; buildingand siteentrances;surfacetextures,widths and slopes ofwalkways;parking;gradechanges; size,weight 3) Providingaccessiblerestroom facilities; and, and configurationofdoorways; interiorcorridors and path 4) Creatingaccess to amenities and secondaryspaces. oftravelrestrictions; elevators; andpublic toilets and amenities (SeeFigure2). Simple auditscanbecompleted Allproposed changes shouldbeevaluated forconformance bypropertyowners usingreadily availablechecklists (See withtheSecretaryoftheInterior's "Standards forthe FurtherReading). Accessibilityspecialists canbehired to TreatmentofHistoric Properties," whichwerecreated for assessbarriers inmorecomplexproperties, especiallythose property ownersto guidepreservationwork. These withmultiplebuildings, steep terrain, orinterpretive Standards stresstheimportance ofretaining and protecting programs. Personswith disabilities canbeparticularly thematerialsand features thatconveya property's helpful inassessingspecificbarriers. historical significance. Thus,whennew features are incorporated for accessibility,historicmaterials and featuresshouldberetained wheneverpossible. Accessibilitymodifications shouldbein scalewiththe historicproperty,visuallycompatible, and,whenever possible, reversible. Reversiblemeansthatifthenew featurewere removed at a laterdate, theessential form and integrityofthepropertywouldbeunimpaired. Thedesign ofnew featuresshould alsobe differentiated fromthe design ofthehistoricproperty sothattheevolution ofthe propertyisevident. SeeMaking Historic Buildings Accessible onpage9. Ingeneral,whenhistoric properties are altered, they should bemade as accessible aspossible. However, ifan owner or a projectteambelieves thatcertain modifications would threatenordestroy the significance oftheproperty, the State HistoricPreservationOfficershouldbeconsulted to determinewhetherornotanyspecial accessibility provisions maybe used. Special accessibilityprovisionsfor Figure2. Surveysofhistoricpropertiescan identifyaccessibilitybarriers. Personswithdisabilitiesandaccessibilityconsultantsshouldparticipate historicproperties will vary dependingontheapplicable wheneverpossible. Photo:ThomasJester. accessibilityrequirements. maymeanofferinganaudio-visualprogram showingan inaccessible upper floorofa historichouse museum, providinginterpretivepanels froma vista ataninaccessible terraced garden,orcreatinga tactilemodel ofa historic monument forpeoplewithvisualimpairments. Accessibility Solutions Thegoal inselecting appropriate solutionsforspecific historicpropertiesis toprovideahighlevel ofaccessibility withoutcompromisingsignificantfeatures ortheoverall characterofthe property. Thefollowingsections describe accessibility solutions and offerguidance onspecific historicpropertycomponents,namely thebuildingsite, entrances, interiors, landscapes, amenities, andnew additions. Several solutions arediscussed ineachsection, referencing dimensions and technical requirements from the ADA's accessibility guidelines, ADAAG. State and local requirements,however, may differ from the ADA requirements. Beforemakinganymodificationowners shouldbeaware ofall applicableaccessibilityrequirements. The Building Site Anaccessibleroutefroma parkinglot,sidewalk,andpublic streettotheentranceofahistoricbuildingorfacilityis essential. Anaccessibleroute,tothemaximumextent possible,shouldbethecirculationrouteusedby thegeneral public. Criticalelements ofaccessibleroutesaretheir widths, slopes,crossslopes,and surface texture. Eachof theserouteelementsmustbeappropriatelydesigned sothat theroutecanbeusedbyeveryone,includingpeoplewith disabilities. Thedistancebetweenthearrival and destination points should alsobe as shortaspossible. Sitescontaining B. designed landscapesshouldbecarefullyevaluatedbefore makingaccessibilitymodifications. Historiclandscapesare described ingreaterdetailonpages 10and 11. ProvidingConvenient Parking. Ifparkingisprovided, it shouldbe asconvenientaspossible forpeoplewith disabilities. Speciallydesignated parkingcanoftenbe created toimproveaccessibility (See Figure4). Modifica- tions toparkingconfigurations and pathways should not alter significantlandscape features. Creating an Accessible Route. Therouteorpaththrougha site to a historicbuilding'sentrance shouldbewideenough, generallyatleast3feet (91 cm), to accommodatevisitors C. Figure3. Beforeimplementingaccessibilitymodifications,ownersshould considerthepotentialeffecton theirhistoricproperty. AttheDerby Housein Salem,Massachusetts,severalsolutions tomaketheentrance accessiblewereconsidered, includingregrading(a);alift(b);andaramp (c). Thesolution,anentranceonasecondaryelevation,preservesthe building'sarchitecturalsignificanceandisconvenienttodesignated parking. Drawings: NationalParkServiceFiles.. Insome cases, programmaticaccess maybe theonlyoption forextremely small orunaltered historicproperties, such as atwo-storyhousemuseumwithno internalelevator. Programmatic access forhistoricproperties refers to Figure4. Parkingdesignatedforpeoplewithdisabilities isprovidednear alternative methods ofprovidingservices,information, and anaccessibleentranceto theSpringfieldLibraryin Springfield, experienceswhenphysical accesscannotbeprovided. It Massachusetts. Photo: William Smith. withdisabilities and mustbe appropriatelygraded with a stable, firm, and slip-resistantsurface. Existingpaths shouldbe modified to meet these requirementswhenever possible as longas doingsowould notthreaten ordestroy significantmaterials and features. Existing surfacescanoftenbe stabilizedbyprovidinganew base and resettingthepaving materials,orby modifying thepathsurface. Insomesituations itmaybe appropriate tocreatea newpaththroughaninaccessiblearea. Atlarge properties, itmaybepossibletoregrade a slope toless than 1:20 (5%), orto introduceone ormorecarefullyplanned ramps. Clear directional signs should mark thepath from arrival to destination. Entrances Wheneverpossible, access tohistoricbuildingsshouldbe througha primarypublicentrance. Inhistoricbuildings, if this cannotbeachieved withoutpermanentdamage to character-definingfeatures, atleastoneentrance usedby thepublic shouldbemade accessible. Ifthe accessible entranceisnottheprimarypublic entrance, directional signsshould directvisitors to the accessible entrance (See Figure5). A rearorserviceentranceshouldbe avoided as the onlymeanofenteringabuilding. Figure6. Entrancescanberegradedtomakeabuildingaccessibleaslong asnosignificantlandscapefeatureswillbedestroyedandaslongasthe building'shistoriccharacterispreserved. TheHoughton Chapel(a) in Wellesley,Massachusetts,wasmadeaccessiblebyregradingoverthe & historicsteps(b). Photos: CarolR.Johnson Associates. Figure5.AuniversalaccesssymbolclearlymarkstheArtsand IndustriesBuildingin Washington,D.C.,andapushplate(right) engagestheautomaticdoor-opener. Photo:Thomasjester. Creatinganaccessible entrance usually involves overcominga change inelevation. Steps, landings, doors, and thresholds, all partoftheentrance, oftenposebarriers forpersonswith disabilities. Topreserve theintegrityof these features, a numberofsolutionsare available to increase accessibility. Typical solutions include regrading, incorporatingramps, installingwheelchairlifts,creating Figure7. This rampisconvenientforvisitorswithdisabilitiesand newentrances, and modifyingdoors,hardware, and preserves thebuilding'shistoriccharacter. Thedesign isalsocompatible inscalewith thebuilding. Photo: William Smith. thresholds. Regrading an Entrance. Insomecases, whentheentrance entrances usedby everyonewheneverpossible,preferably stepsand landscapefeatures arenothighly significant, it wherethereis minimalchange ingrade. Ramps should maybepossible toregradetoprovide a smoothentrance alsobe located tominimizethe lossofhistoric features at — into abuilding. Iftheexisting steps arehistoricmasonry, the co—nnectionpoints porch railings, steps, and win- theyshouldbeburied, wheneverpossible, andnotremoved dows and should preservetheoverallhistoric setting and (See Figure6). characterofthe property. Largerbuildings mayhave below gradeareas thatcan accommodate a ramp down to nImnoecswotrfpceoaortmuartmeio,nngraRmmaepmaspnsss.htoouPlmedarkmbaeencaeannretefnurtlarlmaynpdcseesaaricegcnepseesdribhalanepd.sAthsea casounnceshnitadrsearanencdeaiuf(dStieheteoFrriiagumumrp,elo8er)a.idfBstethloeoabwupgiurlbdalidinecgleyinsutssreaerndvciiecnsteecdraibnoyrb,ae appropriatelylocated topreserve a property'shistoric publicelevator. Rampscan oftenbe incorporated behind character (SeeFigure 7). Ramps shouldbe located atpublic Figure8. A newbelow-graderampprovidesaccess toLakeMacDonald Lodgein GlacierNationalPark. Photo:ThomasJester Figure10. ThisbrickrampprovidesaccesstoSt.Anne'sEpiscopal Church inAnnapolis,Maryland. Itsdesign iscompatiblewith the historic features, such ascheek-walls orrailings, to mini- historicbuilding. Photo:Charity V. Davidson. mize thevisual effect(SeeFigure9). should be simple in design,distinguishable from other Thesteepestallowable slope fora ramp is usually 1:12 (8%), historic features, and should extend one footbeyond the butgentler slopes should be used wheneverpossible to sloped area (See Figure 11). accommodate peoplewith limited strength. Greater Ramp landings mustbe largeenough forwheelchair users, cmheaentgaecsceisnsieblielviattyisocnorpeiqnugirperolvairsgeironasnadnldonmgaeyrrraeqmupisretoan usually atleast5 feetby5 feet (152.5 cmby 152.5cm), and the top landing mustbe atthe level ofthe door threshold. irnatmeprmfeodrihaitsetolraincdbinugi.ldiMnogssttcooodveesraclolmoewoanselisgthetpl.ysteeper Itmaybepossibleto resetstepsbycreatinga ramp to accommodateminor level changes and to meetthe Rampscanbe faced with a variety ofmaterials,including threshold without significantly alteringa property's wood,brick, and stone. Often the type and quality ofthe historiccharacter. Ifa building'sexistinglanding isnot materials determineshow compatiblea ramp designwill be wideor deep enough to accommodate a ramp,itmaybe witha historicproperty (See Figure 10). Unpainted pressure-treated wood should notbe used to construct rampsbecause itusually appears temporaryand isnot visually compatible with mosthistoricproperties. Railings Figure11. Simple,contemporaryrailings thatextendbeyondtheramp slopemakethisrampcompatiblewith theindustrialcharacterofthis building. Photo: ThomasJester. necessaryto modify theentry tocreatea wider landing. Long ramps, such as switchbacks, require intermediate landings, and all ramps should be detailed with an appropriateedgeand railing forwheelchairusers and visually impaired individuals. Temporaryorportable ramps areusually constructed of light-weightmaterials and, thus, are rarely safeorvisually compatible withhistoricproperties. Moreover,portable ramps areoften stored until needed and, therefore, donot meetaccessibility requirements for independentaccess. Temporary and portable ramps,however, maybean acceptable interim solution to improve accessibility until a Fsliigguhrtely9.moTdhiifsyirnagmtphewahisstcorreiacterdaibliyngi.nfTihlleinrgatmhpewpriensdeorwv-ewsetlhlisabnudilding's permanentsolution canbe implemented (See Figure 12). historiccharacter. Photo:ThomasJester. InstallingWheelchair Lifts. Platformslifts and inclinedstair lifts, Readily Achievable Accessibility bothofwhich Modifications accommodateonlyone person,canbe used to overcomechangesof elevationrangingfrom three to 10 feet (.9m-3 m) inheight. However, manyStateshave restrictionsontheuse ^1 ^B ofwheelchairlifts, soall applicablecodes should bereviewed carefully beforeinstallingone. Figure12. TheSmithsonianInstitution Inclined stairlifts, installedatemporaryrampon its which carry a wheel- vdPihesosititogo:nr'asTnhcoeanmptapersropjterositaaeltrle.opweardmeaqnueatnettriammep.to cflhiagihrtoonfsatapilras,tfmoarymubpe a V employed selectively. Theytend tobevisuallyintrusive,althoughtheyare relativelyreversible. Platformliftscanbeusedwhen there isinadequatespacefora ramp. However, suchliftsshould beinstalledinunobtrusivelocationsand undercoverto minimizemaintenance ifatallpossible (SeeFigure 13). A ! ^^^^^^^^H^HStss similar,butmoreexpensiveplatformlifthasaretracting railingthatlowersintotheground,minimizingthevisual Manyaccessibilitysolutionscanbeimplemented easily effecttohistoricproperties (SeeFigure 14). Mechanical lifts and inexpensivelywithoutdestroyingthesignificance havedrawbacks athistoricpropertieswithhighpublic ofhistoricproperties. Whileitmaynotbepossibleto visitationbecausetheircapacityislimited, they sometimes undertake allofthemodificationslistedbelow, each cannotbe operated independently, and theyrequire changewill improveaccessibility. frequentmaintenance. Sites and Entrances Consideringa New Entrance. Whenitisnotpossibleto modifyanexistingentrance,itmaybepossibleto develop a • Creatinga designatedparkingspace. newentrancebycreatinganentirelynewopeninginanap- • Installingramps. propriatelocation,orbyusinga secondarywindowforan • Makingcurb cuts. opening. Thissolution should onlybeconsidered afterex- haustingallpossibilities formodifyingexistingentrances Interiors (SeeFigure 15). • Repositioningshelves. RetrofittingDoors. Historic doorsgenerallyshouldnotbe • Rearrangingtables, displays, and furniture. replaced,norshould doorframes on theprimaryelevation bewidened,as this may • Repositioningtelephones. alteran important • Addingraised markings onelevatorcontrolbuttons. feature ofa historic design. However,ifa • Installingflashingalarmlights. building'shistoricdoors • Installingoffsethingestowiden doorways. havebeenremoved, theremaybe greater • Installingoraddingaccessibledoorhardware. latitudeindesigninga • Addingan accessiblewaterfountain,orprovidinga compatiblenewen- papercup dispenserataninaccessiblewater fountain. trance. Mostaccessi- bilitystandardsrequire Restrooms atleasta 32" (82cm) • Installinggrabbarsintoiletstalls. clearopeningwithman- ageable dooropening • Rearrangingtoiletpartitionsto increase maneuvering pressures. Themost space. desirable preservation • Insulatinglavatorypipesundersinks toprevent solutionto improve Fuisgeudroen13t.hisPlbuaitlfdoirnmglrifetqsuliirkeemthieniomnael burns. accessibilityisretaining spaceandcan beremovedwithout historic doors and damaginghistoricmaterials. Shielded • Installinga highertoiletseat. upgradingthedoor withlatticework, thisliftisalso • Installing a full-lengthbathroommirror. pressurewithoneof protectedbytheroofeaves.Approach several devices. Auto- pathshouldbestable,firm,andslip • Repositioningthepapertowel dispenser. resistant. Photo:SharonPark. matic dooropeners Figure16. DuringtherehabilitationoftheRookeryin Chicago, the originalentrancewasmodifiedtocreateanaccessibleentrance. Two revolvingdoorswerereplacedwitha newoneflankedbynewdoors,one ofwhichisoperatedwithapush-platedooropener. Photo: ThomasJester. FLiigeuutreen1a4n.tAGotvethrenor's requirements. Ifthe threshold is deemed tobe significant,a Mansion inFrankfort, bevelcanbe added oneachside to reduceitsheight (See Kentucky,aretractinglift Figure 17). Anothersolutionis toreplace the threshold (b)wasinstalledto withone thatmeetsapplicableaccessibility requirements minimizethevisualeffect and isvisuallycompatiblewiththehistoricentrance. on thishistoricbuilding when notin use(a). Moving Through Historic Interiors Photos:AgingTechnology Incorporated. Personswithdisabilitiesshouldhaveindependentaccess to allpublicareasand facilitiesinsidehistoricbuildings. The extenttowhichahistoricinteriorcanbemodified depends onthesignificanceofitsmaterials,plan, spaces, features,and finishes. Primaryspacesareoftenmoredifficulttomodify withoutchangingtheircharacter. Secondaryspacesmay generallybechangedwithoutcompromisingabuilding's historiccharacter. Signsshould clearlymarktherouteto Figure15.A new accessiblerestrooms,telephones,and otheraccessibleareas. entrancetothe Installing Ramps and WheelchairLifts. Ifspacepermits, elevatorlobbyre- placesawindowat rampsand wheelchairliftscan alsobeused to increase & FaneuilHallin accessibility insidebuildings (SeeFigures 18 19). Boston,Massa- However, someStates and localities restrictinterioruses of chusetts. Thenew wheelchairlifts forlife-safetyreasons. Care shouldbetaken entranceisappro- toinstall thesenew featureswhere theycanbe readily priatelydifferen- tiatedfrom the accessed. Ramps and wheelchairliftsaredescribed in detail historicdesign. onpages4-6. Photo:PaulHoltz. Upgrading Elevators. Elevators areanefficientmeans of providingaccessibilitybetween floors. Somebuildings (operatedbypushbuttons,mats, orelectroniceyes) and haveexistinghistoricelevators thatarenotadequately power-assisted dooropenerscaneliminateorreduce door accessible forpersonswith disabilitiesbecause oftheir size, pressures thatare accessibilitybarriers, and makesingleor location, or detailing,but theymay alsocontribute to the double-leafdoors fullyoperational (SeeFigure 16). historical significance ofabuilding. Significanthistoric Adapting DoorHardware. Ifa dooropening iswithin an elevators can usuallybe upgraded toimprove accessibility. inchor twoofmeeting the 32" (81 cm) clearopening Control panelscanbemodified witha "wand" on a cord to requirement, itmaybepossible to replacethestandard make thecontrolpanel accessible, and timing devices can usuallybe adjusted. hingeswithoff-sethinges to increase the sizeofthedoor openingas much as 1 1/2" (3.8 cm). Historichardwarecan Retrofitting DoorKnobs. Historic doorknobs and other beretained in place, oradapted with the additionofan hardwaremaybe difficult to grip and turn. In recentyears, automaticopener, ofwhich there areseveral types. Door lever-handleshavebeen developed toreplace doorknobs. hardwarecanalsoberetrofitted toreduce doorpressures. Otherlever-handle devicescanbe added toexisting Forexample, frictionhingescanberetrofitted withball- hardware. Ifitis notpossible or appropriateto retrofit bearinginserts, and doorcloserscanbe rethreaded to existing door knobs, doors canbe leftopen during reduce the doorpressure. operatinghours (unless doingsowould violate life safety Altering DoorThresholds. A doorthreshold thatexceeds codes), and power-assisted door openers canbeinstalled. It theallowableheight, generally 1/2" (1.3cm),canbe altered may onlybenecessary to retrofitspecific doorknobs to orremoved with one thatmeets applicable accessibility create an accessible path oftravel and accessible restrooms. be retained in theprocessofmaking modifications. Forexample,larger restrooms Threshold Modifications cansometimesbe reconfiguredby relocating orcombiningpartitions tocreate an accessible toiletstall. Otherchangesto ifxexceeds 1/2", considerare adding grabbars around toilets, thresholdshould coveringhotwaterpipes undersinkswith bemodified existingstone threshold insulation topreventburns, and providinga sink, mirror,and paper dispenserataheight suitable forwheelchairusers. Aunisex restroommaybecreated ifitis technically infeasibleto create twofullyaccessible securelyfastened restrooms, orifdoing sowould threaten or woodorother destroythesignificance ofthebuilding. Itis addition 1:12slope existingthreshold importantto remember thatrestroom fixtures, suchassinks, urinals, andpartitions, maybehistoric, and therefore,shouldbe preserved wheneverpossible. Modifying OtherAmenities. Other amenitiesinsidehistoricbuildingsmay 1:12slope require modification. Seatingina theater, for newstone example,canbemadeaccessibleby threshold removingsomeseatsin severalareas (See Figure21). Newseatingthatis accessiblecan alsobe added at the end ofexistingrows, eitherwithorwithouta level floorsurface. Readilyremovable seats maybeinstalled in wheelchairspaceswhen thespacesarenot modify/raise platformorfloor required to accommodatewheelchairusers. tocreatelevelthreshold existingthreshold Historicwater fountainscanbe retained and new,two-tiered fountains installed ifspace permits. Ifpublic telephones areprovided, it *;& maybenecessarytoinstall atleasta Text Telephone (TT), alsoknownas a TelecommunicationDevice forthe Deaf (TDD) (See Figure22). Historicservice existing counterscommonly found inbanks, theaters, platform andhotels generally should notbe altered. orfloor Itispreferabletoadd an accessiblecounter ontheend ofa historiccounteriffeasible. Figure 17. Thresholds thatexceedallowableheightscan bemodifiedseveralways toincrease Modified ornewcounters should notexceed accessibility. Source: UniformFederalAccessibilityStandard(UFAS)RetrofitManual. 36" (91.5 cm) inheight. Modifying InteriorStairs. Stairs are theprimarybarriers formanypeoplewith disabilities. However,there are some ways tomodifystairs to assistpeoplewho are ableto navigatethem. Itmaybeappropriateto addhandrailings ifnoneexist. Railings shouldbe 1 1/4" (3.8cm) in diameter and returntothewall sostraps andbags donotcatch. Color-contrasting, slip-resistantstripswillhelppeoplewith visual impairments. Finally,beveled orclosed risers are recommended unless thestairsarehighly significant, because openriserscatch feet (See Figure20). Building Amenities Someamenitiesinhistoricbuildings,suchasrestrooms, seating,telephones,drinkingfountains,counters,may contributetoabuilding'shistoriccharacter. Theywilloften requiremodificationtoimprovetheirusebypersonswith disabilities. Inmanycases,supplementingexistingamenities, Figure 18. SymmetricalrampsattheMayflowerHotelin Washington, ratherthanchangingorremovingthem,willincreaseaccess D.C.,provideaccesstothehotel'slowerlevel. Thedesignfortheramps andminimizechangestohistoricfeaturesand materials. respects thehistoriccharacterofthislandmarkbuilding. Photo: Thomas Jester. Upgrading Restrooms. Restrooms mayhavehistoric fixtures suchassinks, urinals, or marblepartitions thatcan MAKING A HISTORIC BUILDING ACCESSIBLE r EXIT l MfUr % 111iilli'i • ,i ^^H^^^nr. C — m ___._. m ~^~ -* »- *** 1 r>-**s•V«>«-i. *?-$# 6cr * Jk. T/;eOrangeCountyCourthouse(a),locatedin SantaAna, California, wasrehabilitatedin thelate1980sasacountymuseum. Aspartoftherehabilitation, thearchitectsensitivelyintegratednumerous modificationstoincreaseaccessibility. Topreservethebuilding'sprimaryelevation,a newpublicentrancewas createdon therearelevation whereparkingspacesarelocated. A ramp(b)leadstotheaccessibleentrancethatcan beopened withapush-plateautomatic door-opener(c). Modifications to interiorfeaturesalsoincreasedaccessibility. Tocreateanaccessiblepathoftravel,offsethinges id) wereinstalledon doors thatwerenarrowerthan32 inches(81.3cm). Otherdoorswererethreadedtoreducethedoorpressure. Bevelingthe 1"high thresholds (e) reducedtheir heighttoapproximately 1/4inch (.64cm). Theprojectarchitectalsoconvertedastoreroom intoanaccessiblerestroom Theoriginalstairway, -whichhas (f). opengrillwork, was mademoreaccessiblebyapplyingslip-resistantpressuretapetothemarblesteps (g). Andtheoriginalelevatorwas upgradedwith raisedmarkings,alarm lights,andvoicefloorindicators. Photos: Milford WayneDonaldson,FAIA. MAKING HISTORIC LANDSCAPES ACCESSIBLE Tosuccessfullyincorporateaccess intohistoriclandscapes, siteswherethereisa greatervarietyofpublicexperiences. theplanningprocessis similar to thatofotherhistoric However,whena landscapeisuniformlysteep,itmayonly properties. Careful research and inventory shouldbe bepossibletomakediscreteportionsofahistoriclandscape undertakentodetermine which materials and features accessible,and viewersmayonlybeabletoexperiencethe convey thelandscape'shistorical significance. Aspartof landscape fromselectedvantagepointsalongaprescribed thisevaluation, those features thatarecharacter-defining pedestrianorvehicularaccessroute. Whendefiningsucha (topographicalvariation,vegetation,circulation, route, theinterpretivevalueoftheuserexperienceshould structures, furnishings,objects) shouldbeidentified. beconsidered;inotherwords,doestherouteprovide Historic finishes, details, and materials thatalsocontribute physicalorvisualaccesstothoseareasthatarecritical to to a landscape'ssignificance should alsobedocumented understandthemeaningofthelandscape? and evaluated priorto determining anapproach to The following accessibility solutions address three lpeadnedsstcraipaenaccicrecsusilbaitliiotny.syFsotremextahmaptlnee,eadstpoecbtesuonfdtehrestood commonlandscapesituations: 1) structureswithlow includewalkwidth, aggregatesize,pavementpattern, integritylandscapes;2) structures and landscapesofequal texture, relief, andjointdetails. Thecontextofthewalk significance; and,3) landscapes ofprimarysignificance withinaccessibleterrain. should be understood includingits edges and surrounding area. Modifications to surface textures orwidths of 1. TheHunnewellVisitorsCenterattheArnold pathwayscanoftenbemadewithminimaleffecton ArboretuminJamaica Plain, Massachusetts,wascon- significantlandscape features (a) and (b). structedin 1892. Itsimmediatesettinghaschanged considerablyovertime (c). Sincetheexistinglandscape Additionally, areas ofsecondary importancesuchas altered paths shouldbeidentified —especiallythosewhere immamiendiinagtienltyegsriutryr,otuhnedninegwtahcicsesstsirbuicltiutryeshoalsutliitotnlehraes-the theaccessibilitymodificationswillnotdestroya latitudetointegrateabroadprogramincludingsite landscape's significance. Byidentifying thosefeatures that orientation,circulation, interpretation,and arecontributingornon-contributing, a sympathetic maintenance. circulationexperiencecanthenbedeveloped. Thenew design, whichhas fewornamentalplants, Afterassessinga landscape's integrity,accessibility referencestheoriginalplantingdesignprinciples,with solutionscanbeconsidered. Full access throughouta historiclandscapemay notalwaysbepossible. Generally, caosnttrroanstgweimtphhatshieseaornliferordme,sicgonlso,r,tahendnetewxtpulraen.tiInngs itiseasiertoprovideaccessibility to larger, moreopen were setaway from the facadeofthishistoricbuilding, s(at.a)nTdoaridmapsrpohvaeltacpcaevssiinbgilwiatysirnepBloascteodn'isnEsemleercatelddaNreecakslwaictehPaarnksi,mbedded a(cl.t)erHedunlnanedwseclalpesV.isiPthoort'os:CJeenntneifrebreJfoonreesr,eChaabriollitRa.tiJoon,hnrseovneaalnindgatshsoeciates. aggregatesurfacethatismoreinkeepingwith thelandscape'shistoric appearance. Photo:CharlesBirnbaum. (b.) TheFriendlyGardenat RanchosLosAlamitos,a historicestatewith designedgardensin southern California,was madeaccessiblewith limitedwideningofits existingapproachpath. Photo:RanchosLos (d.) Hunnewell VisitorsCenter'sentrancefollowingrehabilitation, AlamitosFoundation. integratinganaccessiblepath (left),platform,andnewsteps. Photo: CharlesBirnbaum.