Chapin Mansion Handicap Ramp Installation

Bridging History and Accessibility: Switchback Ramp Installation at Chapin Mansion

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The historic charm of the Chapin Mansion in Niles, Michigan, recently intertwined with the modern-day accessibility imperative. Through collaboration, Upside Innovations had the privilege of installing an ADA-compliant metal switchback ramp, marking a significant stride towards inclusivity. This ramp seamlessly links the parking lot to the mansion’s newly restored front porch, granting effortless access to visitors with mobility limitations, a first in the mansion’s long-standing history.

Switchback Ramp Installation for Mobility Devices

Switchback Ramp Installation for Mobility Devices at Chapin Mansion in Niles, Michigan

Photo Credit: South Bend Tribune

Modular ramp
APEX stair ramp system components

The APEX system is a line of integrated access products that can be configured to meet the most challenging applications.

Crafting Accessibility, Preserving History

When it comes to blending accessibility with aesthetic integrity, Upside Innovations is a name to reckon with. Our wheelchair ramps are meticulously designed to ensure easy access while harmonizing with the existing architectural aura.

  • ADA-Compliance: Adhering to the stringent standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessibility for all.
  • Durable Construction: Crafted with high-quality materials to withstand the test of time, reflecting a perfect amalgam of strength and elegance.
  • Customized Solutions: Tailored to meet the specific needs and aesthetic requisites of different settings, be it a historic mansion or a modern establishment.

Experience a world where architectural charm coexists with the modern-day ethos of inclusivity, only with Upside Innovations’ wheelchair ramps.

Inclusivity is the cornerstone of historical preservation.

A South Bend Tribune covered the Chapin Mansion’s grand reopening, detailing the journey of making this historic site accessible. The $275,000 project, funded through various grants and a local donation, also restored the mansion’s front porch and balcony. The renovation was spearheaded by city officials and executed by Kil Architecture and Mihm Enterprises, aligning with community interests in preserving historic sites and enhancing accessibility. The mansion, attracting about 5,000 visitors annually, showcases American Aesthetic design and now resumes its tours post-renovation, with future plans hinting at continued restoration efforts.

A significant highlight of the project was the ramp installation by Upside Innovations, which now allows a barrier-free entry from the parking lot to the mansion’s interior. The ramp installation came as a response to consistent accessibility concerns voiced since 2015, marking a milestone in the mansion’s history.

The project was a collective endeavor, with funds sourced from community block grants, state grants, and a local foundation donation. The city engaged Kil Architecture for design and Mihm Enterprises for execution, with the ramp installation being a pivotal part of the renovation.

The Tribune article resonates with the satisfaction and anticipation of the Niles community, especially individuals like Laura Hollister, who acknowledges the profound impact of enhanced accessibility in a small municipality. The ramp not only symbolizes accessibility but is a testament to how historic preservation and modern-day necessities can harmoniously coexist.

With such endeavors, the narrative of accessibility is being rewritten, ensuring historic sites like the Chapin Mansion are welcoming to all, courtesy of thoughtful installations like the ramp from Upside Innovations.

Source: South Bend Tribune