News from Around the region
Washington County Courthouse to be more Accessible
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The building is more than 150 years old, but that did not stop the federal government from presenting county commissioners with a laundry list of improvements needed to bring the Washington County courthouse in Machias, ME into ADA compliance. The county recently entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice to bring the building into compliance. Once the agreement is signed, the county will have three years to complete the renovations.
In 2003, the county received a telephone call from a Department of Justice representative saying they were going to visit the courthouse. County Clerk Joyce Thompson said she questioned the department to learn if the visit was as a result of a complaint. Although the selection process was random, the county is not unknown to the department because of federal funding.
The majority of renovations required are quite minor. The bathroom on the second floor is inaccessible because the hot water pipes are not insulated, the toilet paper dispenser is mounted at 25 inches and the rear grab bar at the toilet is mounted at 371/2 inches above the finished floor. Inspectors also want doors in the building enlarged to accommodate wheelchairs.
(Source: "County Nears Pact On Courthouse," Diana Graettinger, Bangor Daily News, August 25, 2005.)
Historic St. Johnsbury Starting to Comply with ADA
The owners of some buildings in historic St. Johnsbury, VT are still working to fulfill requirements of the ADA. Union Bank officials are conferring with town officials over how to provide access to the historic 1880s landmark. Calling the entrance to the bank "dangerous" even for people without mobility problems, bank officials submitted blueprints for an ADA-compliant exterior ramp during a recent selectmen's meeting.
Union Bank officials are among hundreds of building owners in the state struggling to complete construction projects, according to Peter Youngbaer, former executive director for the Vermont Coalition for Disability Rights. Complete compliance with ADA requirements is slow, Youngbaer said, because "Vermont has a lot of challenges to do with the age of its buildings." Vermont's inventory of buildings is second in age to Massachusetts.
Recent renovations at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, built in 1872, are an example of an ADA success story. Before renovations began in 2003, some people voiced concerns that an interior elevator would compromise the building's historic integrity. The elevator was tucked away behind a wall that blends with the décor, providing complete accessibility without compromising the historic feel of the building.
At the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium, Charles Brown, executive director, calls the 1896 building, "partly" in compliance. A sheltered temporary ramp at the rear of the building provides access to first-floor exhibits, a bathroom and gift shop, but the second floor, upstairs planetarium and downstairs weather exhibit are not accessible to those with mobility impairments.
(Source: "Historic Buildings Struggle to Comply with Disability Law," Carla Occaso, Times Argus, June 25, 2005.)
Increased Access in Two Massachusetts Performing Arts Centers
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The Boston Opera House restored to its former glory.Currently, there are two significant historical performing arts centers in Massachusetts that are restoring the historic beauty of their property while incorporating access for patrons with disabilities. The Boston Opera House opened its doors in 1928. This historic building has gone through some significant changes throughout its history. The most extreme change was to the Stage House which, in the early 70's, was transformed to apartments and then later reconverted back to dressing rooms. Throughout the years the building had deteriorated; water leaks ruined parts of the stage and memorabilia, as well as intricate detailing on the inside and outside of the building.
This restoration project looked to return the building to its original awe-inspiring beauty and, if one was to look hard enough, incorporate access for persons with disabilities seamlessly without changing the original character of the building. For example, the entrance used to include stairs, but through creative design, ramps and walkways were installed that have the look like they were always part of the building. Seating locations have been made accessible, allowing enough space for wheelchair users to see the stage from all viewing areas. An elevator has been installed near the grand staircase. Ticket booths have been lowered to the appropriate height while still maintaining their original 1928 ambiance. Lastly, the restrooms have been renovated to allow access to patrons with disabilities.
The Pittsfield Colonial Theatre is in the process of undergoing an extensive restoration as well. The Theatre opened its doors in 1903 and, like the Opera House, went through some drastic changes. A renovation project started in 1912, included staging with some of the country's best acoustics. In the early 30's the theatre closed and remained vacant until it reopened in 1937 as a movie theatre. It is now planned to undergo a restoration to reincorporate the original theatre. Through communication with the Massachusetts Office on Disability, the local Commission on Disabilities and the designers, not only will the historic character of the building be restored, but access for persons with disabilities will be provided.
Access and Historical Preservation in NH
New Hampshire is often referred to as "The Granite State" and indeed, many of its buildings are made of granite. Working with historic societies and preservation officers, providing simple and low-cost solutions are the best method to increasing access to this state's historic buildings. Sometimes access is provided because the decision-makers realize it is the right thing to do.
For example, the Historical Society of Cheshire County in Keene renovated their building in 1995. An addition to the rear of the building provides easy access for all without affecting the historic Main Street façade. An elevator provides access to all levels, there is an accessible restroom, and even the coatroom has lower hanger rods.
In Concord, many state offices are housed in historic granite buildings, including the State House, the NH Senate and House of Representatives, the NH State Library, and the NH Historical Society. Door openers, ramps, elevators and lifts have been installed, and all the restrooms have been renovated in order to provide access.
Small businesses located in historic districts have come up with simple and inexpensive solutions to providing access. Green Mountain Coffee in Concord did not have enough sidewalk space for access so they made a sign, installed a doorbell, and purchased a portable ramp.
In August 2004, the state experienced a tough lesson in how to best provide access. The Walker Building, part of the old campus of the State Hospital, in Concord, now houses the Administrative offices of Vocational-Rehabilitation, the Social Security Administration office, the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Nursing Board, Plumbers Board, NH Insurance Commission, and the Public Utilities Commission. When the building was inspected by the NH Governor's Commission on Disability, prior to occupancy, it was revealed that access for the main entrance was via an exterior key-operated platform lift with no overhead protection and then through a set of heavy doors. On the day of the inspection, and frequently thereafter, the lift malfunctioned, and was not usable by many. Given the high number of individuals with mobility disabilities who use the main entrance, the lift was not the appropriate method to enter this building.
