- Location: Camp Hill, PA
- Client: Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church
At Mt. Calvary Episcopal Church in Camp Hill, a renovation plan utilizing universal design principles was employed to allow parishioners of all abilities to access all areas of the building. Several members of the church had reported difficulty in approaching and entering the building; the goal of this project was to improve accessibility and circulation throughout the 1954 facility.
The vehicular and pedestrian approached to the main entrance were revised to create a drop off area with accessible walks, a semi-circular drive, and new landscaping to help integrate the old and the new. Hardscape materials were selected that echoed the building materials used in the original structure. Construction of this entrance element allowed the church to avoid the expense of a new parking lot, as families could pull into the drive, assist elderly persons at the entry, and then park in existing areas adjacent to the church.
New automatic sliding doors featuring ornamental glass were installed at the primary entrance, replacing the original wood entrance door, which was relocated to the side of the sanctuary. A new elevator connecting the first floor spaces to the Fellowship Hall on the ground floor was installed within the lobby.
Study of the building determined the most appropriate locations for construction of accessible restroom facilities and expansion of the narthex and educational areas. The project also included upgrades to the building's HVAC and electrical systems.
I am very appreciative of your efforts. You've shown us every consideration as you performed your tasks with the utmost skill. You are a credit to your profession.
--The Rev. Canon Calvin Van Kirk Hoyt,
