HISTORICAL   Evanston Art Center Handicapped Access The project scope was to provide handicapped accessibility into and within the 1st Floor of the art center which serves as both a gallery and classroom facility for the Evanston Art Center, a private organization that leases the historic landmark building from the City of Evanston. Given the landmark status of the building, the design concept was to minimize the appearance of any accessible changes and construction while meeting all requirements of the ADA. Since the main entry was five feet above the level of the street and sidewalk, the solution incorporated a long ramp-sidewalk that maintained a maximum grade of 1:20 thereby eliminating the need for railings. The ramp was laid out to permit access into the attached Greenhouse that had been converted into a metal sculpture studio and then wound around existing trees and past the face of the building to terminate at a rebuilt blue-stone landing in front of the main entry door. The stone stairs leading up to the main entry from the street were rebuilt to meet the same landing elevation and the main 4’-0” wide door reversed to permit unhindered access from the ramp. The door and a second interior door were fitted with automatic door openers operated by paddles on both the interior and exterior and which have been found to serve a dual purpose in alleviating entry by students carrying portfolios, canvases and other art supplies. The existing toilets on the 1st floor were also renovated to provide handicapped access. The project was awarded an Evanston Preservation Award.