The design was done pro bono by Barcrofters David Michaelson and Bruce Atkinson. David volunteered as our contractor for the project.

The project was partially funded by a grant from the Warren G. Stambaugh Foundation. Warren Stambaugh was a Barcrofter and his photo was included in our Neighborhood Conservation Plan after his death in 1990. Additional funding came from individual donors, with the residual from the Barcroft Community House Restoration Fund.

We are very pleased with the ramp. Using solid masonry and railings that echo the picket fencing around the Community House integrated the new structure with our historic building and avoided the impression that someone had come along about the turn of the century and added a handicapped access ramp. Maintenance is low, wheelchair users are pleased with the ADA-regulation slope, and there is room to pass two wheelchairs going in different directions. There is some maintenance work involved in clearing the ramp carefully of snow and ice in winter and leaves in summer, both hazards that we don't think wheelchair users should have to deal with. Otherwise, the ramp is working out very well.

There are two parking spaces at the bottom of the ramp that are not officially designated as handicapped spaces because they are used to load and unload equipment and supplies before and after events. They should be kept open during events for use by anyone who needs to use the ramp.

Here are some design drawings from our building permit application. It was approved by the County and received the necessary Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Affairs and Landmark Review Board.

Here is Scott Brinitzers rendering of the new landscaping plan that includes the ramp.

Construction started on the ramp on April 23rd, 2002. It was finished and dedicated in a ceremony following our Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2002.

Here is a page of photos of the ramp dedication ceremony.


For further info, send an email to David Michaelson.

This page was revised on: March 24, 2007.