Parish House Ramp
Built in the 1800s, the Trinity Church Parish House and its campus required site-wide renovations to meet contemporary accessibility needs. Prior to the project, exterior steps provided the only form of entry to the parish house, preventing those with impaired mobility from participating in community events held there.
Existing parish house viewed from the west.
Through coordination with the project’s architect, we proposed converting an existing window on the building’s eastern façade into a new door. This new door would provide access to the parish house via a ramp designed in full compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines.
Diagram revealing proposed design solution
The proposed ramp necessitated a new site plan for the entire campus. The plan included upgrades to sub-surface drainage systems, a new driveway, and a parking area where no formal vehicular access previously existed.
Since the proposal included a curb cut onto a state highway and the property held significant historical and cultural value, the project required approval from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Massachusetts Historical Commission, local community representatives, and the Trinity Church Vestry.
Proposed site plan
The need for so many varied forms of compliance informed the ramp's design. The final proposal not only followed all ADA guidelines but also complemented the beauty of the existing parish house.
ADA ramp details
ADA ramp SketchUp perspective
Following approval from all involved parties, construction of the Parish House ramp and associated site plan commenced in the summer of 2020.
Construction progress
Ultimately, the final constructed design for this site allows the parish house to meet modern accessibility requirements while preserving its historic character.
Completed ramp
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