[MassHistPres] Chair lift

[rcsmitharch at verizon.net]

What to use is primarily determined by context.  There are two principal types of wheelchair lifts available: a platform lift that moves vertically, with upper and lower doors or gates, and a stair mounted lift that rides on a wall mounted rail over a stair.  The latter can usually fold up out of the way.  

 

Which works depends on the architectural context- is there a place for a vertical lift?  Is the stair wide enough for a stair mounted lift without cutting down required egress paths?  In either, is there clearance at the top and bottom for a wheelchair user to approach the lift?  These are not objects of beauty, and we always look for places to integrate them into the architecture inconspicuously.  A lift closet with doors and trim matching the existing is preferred.  You have a lot of superb architectural detail in your town hall, and it would be a shame to have a wheelchair lift installation that mucks it up.

 

Garavanta might be a good manufacturer to start with- they make both vertical and stair mounted lifts.  Either lift has to meet Massachusetts code requirements, with added safety features that increase the cost.  This is required because this is a public building.

 

Richard Smith, architect

Swampscott Historical Commission

 

From: MassHistPres <masshistpres-bounces at cs.umb.edu> On Behalf Of Wayne Oliveira
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2022 1:25 PM
To: MassHistPres at cs.umb.edu
Subject: [MassHistPres] Chair lift

 

We have a town hall with a 2 stair drop down to another level.  In order to get wheelchair access we are looking into a chair lift to go up/down about 16" to 20"

Has anyone had to do a similar project and do you have a recommended brand or vendor that specializes in historic buildings? 

 

Wayne Oliveira 

Town of Fairhaven, MA 

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