Preservation Brief 32: Making Historic Properties Accessible
Jester TC and Park SC. 1993. Preservation Brief 32: Making Historic Properties Accessible. Cultural Landscape Guidance Documents. ISSN: 0885-7016. National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division. Washington, D.C.
Historically, most buildings and landscapes were not designed with accessibility considerations in mind. In recent years, the responsibility for preserving historically significant properties has been coupled with efforts to make these properties - and the activities within them - more available to people with disabilities. With the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, access to properties open to the public is recognized as a civil right. This Brief examines some of the complex issues related to meeting accessibility needs on historic properties, and it underscores the need to balance accessibility and historic preservation. It provides direction on making historic properties available to all while preserving their historic character. The Brief focuses primarily on building sites, but it also includes a section on accessibility in historic landscapes. The Brief will guide historic property owners, design professionals, and administrators in evaluating their properties so that the highest level of accessibility can be provided while minimizing alterations to historic materials and features. This guide does not provide detailed explanation of local or state accessibility laws, which may vary between jurisdictions. Due to the complex and legal nature of these projects, it is advisable to consult with experts in the field of historic preservation and accessibility before making significant changes to historic properties.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Jester, Thomas; Park, Sharon
- Date of Issue
- 1993-09
- Publisher
- National Park Service, Preservation Assistance Division
- Units
- CRPS
- Keywords
- Access, ADA, ADAAG, Alteration, amenities, Americans with Disabilities Act, Architectural Barriers Act, CRSS, disability, entrances, Evaluation, legal, Planning, Ramp, Rehabilitation Act, Restroom