ARLINGTON HOUSE Historic Structures Report Phase II

Providing handicapped access to public buildings, especially those of historic significance, has often proved problematic in nature and Arlington House is not an exception. Retaining architectural integrity while resolving the logistics of handicapped access frequently leads to frustration of one or the other. Willingness to compromise through an assessment of the design trade-offs is a necessary part of any discussion concerning accessibility retrofitting.

Several studies, including two conducted by the Paralyzed Veterans of America and one by the George Washington Memorial Parkway staff, have compiled an impressive list of areas at the Arlington House site that to date do not comply with Public Law 90—480,

The Architectural Barriers Act of August 12, 1968, as amended January 6, 1981. What follows is a history of those problem areas with a proposed solution for each.

1. a. Lack of signage indicating handicapped parking.

b. Provide adequate signage that does not detract from the historic scene.

2. a. Restrooms are inaccessible by wheelchair.

b. Provide an on-grade restroom accessible by wheelchair to both sexes.

3. a. Loose pea gravel and brick paths access by wheelchair, cane, or walker difficult and unpredictable.

b. Brick paths can be relaid in an attempt to minimize irregular surfaces. Loose gravel can be pressed into subsurface and excess removed.

4. a. Public telephone is inaccessible by mobility impaired visitors.

b. Locate phone in area around present comfort station adjacent to handicapped restroom.

5. a. Bookstore is inaccessible by mobility impaired visitors.

b. Access to the bookstore can be gained one of three ways. A ramp could be used but would have to be at least 36 feet long; its impact on the historic scene would be unfavorable. Access by lift would be inappropriate because of both cost and visual considerations. The choice remaining is to lift the visitor manually only to place him/her in an already cramped space. The only real solution is to relocate the bookstore to a space that is designed for and accessible by the handicapped.

6. a. The second floor and basement of Arlington House are not accessible by mobility impaired visitors.

b. Access to the main floor (first) is gained by a mechanical chairlift installed in 1981 and although the wire screens at the doorways of the various rooms are difficult to see beyond, it can be generally stated that the first floor complies with Public Law 90—480. Ramp access to the second floor is out of the question for obvious reasons. Access by chairlift or elevator is equally ill-advised as the visual intrusion on the historic scene would be impossible to alleviate. Several past studies have suggested a book of photographs as a means of showing the inaccessible areas of the house to those visitors who are restricted in their movement. This is a simple solution and stands every chance of being successful as well. It is recommended that it be initiated as soon as is convenient.

Other suggestions include providing an on-site wheelchair, tactile signs for the blind, and improvement of the museum which has been determined to be inadequate for a variety of reasons.

It should be noted, however, that in spite of remaining deficiencies, Arlington House has made some progress toward accommodating handicapped visitors. The previously mentioned wheelchair lift plays a major role in granting access to the building. Arlington House staff conduct special sign language tours and guided tours for the blind are available year round.

Brief Accessibility Checklist

A complete and comprehensive survey checklist is available in Volume II: A Technical Manual and from the Denver Service Center.

This checklist, however, is provided to give the reader an overview of the areas and features of a site which need to be accessible. It will be helpful for managers to use this checklist while making a brief survey of a site and its structures.

The brief survey will probably show many areas in need of improvement; thereby demonstrating why this Guide can become important to the task of upgrading the accessibility of historic sites.

(click on image for a PDF version)