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‘Existing Buildings and Alterations’ Category

Alterations To Existing Buildings — How Much Extra Do I Have to Spend?

Posted on September 27th, 2012

© 2012 Janis Kent, FAIA, Architect, CASp. Updated February 2021 You are altering an existing building. You know that the portion being altered is required to meet today’s standards of accessibility, but is that all that needs to be done? The answer to that question for the most part is no. Per the ADA when […]

Posted in Existing Buildings and Alterations, Regulatory

Readily Achievable Barrier Removal

Posted on August 6th, 2012

Janis Kent, FAIA, Architect, CASp © August, 2012. Updated February 2021 There is a common misconception – because a building is old, one is ‘grandfathered in’ so nothing needs to be done to make it accessible. This is not true. Building and business owners are indeed obligated to make places of public accommodation more accessible. […]

Posted in Accessible Routes & Path of Travel, Existing Buildings and Alterations

The Existing Swimming Pool Dilemma

Posted on May 3rd, 2012

The new 2010 ADAS has caused much confusion with swimming pool access for facility people and building owners in existing facilities. Although it has been in the Guidelines since 2004 the confusion appears to stem from what is considered Readily Achievable for this specific element for places of public accommodation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) […]

Posted in Existing Buildings and Alterations, Hospitality & Retail, Site Elements

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— Karina Contreras, LEED AP Senior Associate , RADAR, Inc.

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— Jan Bier Architect, AIA, CASp City of Fresno Planning & Development Department

As an architect and wheelchair rider, I’ve read your blogs over the years, and from that and your book which our office just got, I can see that you really “get it” when it comes to accessibility. Not only are your assessments technically complete, but your tips and suggestions are practical and insightful. Keep up the good work.
— Erick Mikiten AIA, LEED-AP - Mikiten Architecture

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— James C. McGrath AIA, LEED AP Architect | CASp JCM Architects

“The report of Plaintiff’s expert [Janis Kent] was crucial to the Court’s decision to grant the Motion for Summary Judgment.”

Citation:

Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney Fees at 5-6, Wagenfeld v. M15 Concert Bar & Grill, LLC, No. EDCV16-1012-MWF (SPx) (USDC C.D. Cal. June 27, 2017).
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