Creating a more sustainable world - one project at a time

Friends Meeting House

The Friends wanted to create a fully accessible entry to their historical Meeting House in Cambridge. They chose to renovate the existing side entry that had several steps, assuming they would add a ramp.  MHA developed several options to try to best provide a solution that met everyone's needs, while also blending more seamlessly into the historical character of the building.  The final approved concept was a simple bluestone walkway and a change in grading across much of the front lawn to provide all access with slopes less than 5% so no ramp type railings would be needed and the entry would be attractive for everyone to use.  The entry is covered to provide protection in inclement weather for both the door and the adjacent stairs.  Materials like the slate roof, copper roof-edge details and white wood work were selected to match the aesthetics of the historical building.  A bluestone walkway and granite steps were selected for their handsome long term durability.  MHA provided documents to receive variances from the Cambridge Zoning Board of Appeals and the Cambridge Historic Commission.