I've been dealing with this as well, rehabbing a building in a historic district to make it a coworking space. We had to redo a bathroom, which also meant making it ADA compliant. Sometimes it seems unnecessary, as the building itself has no wheelchair access, but the intent is that as the building is repeatedly remodeled over time, it eventually becomes fully accessible. And, as was pointed out to me, ADA covers more than wheelchairs. Vision impairment, fixtures that can be operated with one hand, less than 6 pounds of force and without requiring a strong grip all are part of compliance as well.
In short, if you don't change it, you don't have to make it accessible, but always check the local codes first to be sure. And Jerome's comment about the 20% of budget also applies, supporting the intent of accessibility evolving over time. Glen On Fri, Mar 2, 2012 at 9:36 AM, Aliza <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi everyone, > > I'm searching for real estate for Coworking with Parents, and have found a > place that I love... a converted barn with wood floors, exposed beams, and > a high ceiling with skylights on the third floor... there's even outdoor > space... and it's got lots of parking with nearby restaurants and a grocery > store. However, it is an older building with no elevator, so all coworkers > would have to climb 2 flights of stairs, and kids would have to climb 1 > flight of stairs for the play space. > > What I need to find out is... is this space a possibility for me, legally, > without having to make expensive modifications such as adding an elevator? > And if it is... is this the *right* decision. > > Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences... and find out which of > your spaces are, or are not, accessible. > > Thanks! > > *Aliza Schlabach* > Founder | Coworking For Parents <http://www.coworkingforparents.com/> > (Philadelphia) > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Coworking" group. > To view this discussion on the web visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msg/coworking/-/A4aF2VKi76IJ. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group at > http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en. > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Coworking" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/coworking?hl=en.
