Accessibility
A one-of-a-kind custom-designed lift, in keeping with the historic architecture of Vista House, has made the building fully accessible, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Completed in May 2006, the lift has enabled people with mobility-related disabilities to access restrooms, view historic photo exhibits and visit the Friends of Vista House Gift Shop and Cafè in the building’s lower level.
The whole facility is wheelchair accessible.
When not in use, the 5-foot-4-inch by 5-foot-3-inch lift rests under a cut out of the marble rotunda flooring on the lower level. When the lift is called to the rotunda level, it literally raises the floor! The lift has a sleek, elegantly designed appearance, designed to reflect the period architecture, enclosed by glass on two sides with brass accents.
The lift is operated by the Friends of Vista House volunteers on an as-needed basis, allowing thousands of visitors access to the restrooms (the original purpose in building the Vista House), as well as the Gift Shop and Cafè.
