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Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: presbspec

Post Number: 325
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Monday, February 03, 2020 - 05:53 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I have an opportunity for an office space near my home, unfortunately, it's second floor and no elevator. Owner is currently setting up for renovations to put this office co-op setup together, but is hesitant to add mobility feature (ie an elevator to second floor) due to cost and concern for payback.
Any advice/recommendations on product or to convenience him to add this feature?
Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP, EDAC
Senior Member
Username: redseca2

Post Number: 682
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Monday, February 03, 2020 - 06:48 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I live and work in San Francisco, California. You would have great difficulty getting permits and approvals together for non-accessible B occupancy space, particularly if you are converting from another occupancy type.
Lynn Javoroski FCSI CCS LEEDŽ AP SCIP Affiliate
Senior Member
Username: lynn_javoroski

Post Number: 2221
Registered: 07-2002


Posted on Monday, February 03, 2020 - 10:37 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Depending on the amount of the renovations, accessibility may be required by code, ADAAG, or law. Check with the local building authorities.
David J. Wyatt, CDT
Senior Member
Username: david_j_wyatt_cdt

Post Number: 321
Registered: 03-2011
Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2020 - 11:43 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Affordable and safe retro-fit lifts would be a godsend for many, including business and residential building owners. Imagine people being able to stay in their homes for ten to fifteen years longer with an affordable lift system built-in.
George A. Everding, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, AIA
Senior Member
Username: geverding

Post Number: 910
Registered: 11-2004


Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2020 - 02:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Is a LU/LA a possibility for that type of use group?
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg

Post Number: 1269
Registered: 12-2006


Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2020 - 02:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

George, I was thinking the same. Less cost for the lift unit and for the hoistway, structure, and long-term maintenance. If the Owner is creating a co-op, some form of ADA access will probably become necessary in the future anyway. Cheaper to do it now than trying to shoehorn a unit in later.

For those not familiar - https://lula-elevators.com/i-how-is-a-lula-elevator-different-from-a-traditional-elevator.php
Margaret G. Chewning FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: presbspec

Post Number: 326
Registered: 01-2003
Posted on Tuesday, February 04, 2020 - 04:09 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thank you so much for this information ya'll.
I do believe I can get some sense in my friend who is putting this together. Hopefully I'll be able to tell you a new address in August when we meet for SCIP.

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