[MassHistPres] Replacement of wooden ramp on Town building, on historic inventory

[elaine ostroff.org]

The Town of Westport is investigating options for replacing an unsafe wooden ramp on a building included on the historic inventory.   It was a former schoolhouse and is now a busy Town Hall Annex. The current ramp was added at a time when access & expediency were the only considerations. As a result of a recent survey to update the Town's ADA Transition, the consultants recommended replacement. The handrails are splintery and badly designed; the surface is in bad condition as well.



We will be requiring a design that is more appropriate to the building.



At this moment my question is about materials. Has anyone had experience with higher quality composite materials for the ramp surface and handrails? Or recommendations on wood products that will hold up over intensive use and weather?  Are there examples that you might recommend we look at?



The design and materials will be discussed at an upcoming Westport Historical

Commission meeting. They must approve the solution. Community Preservation Act

funds might fund the cost of materials if approved by the Commission.



Thanks for your input,



Elaine Ostroff, Chair

Westport Commission on Disability



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