The Inn Is Becoming Barrier-free

We have been aware all along that the Inn is not wheelchair accessible. Most old places aren't. Occasionally someone will call and inquire as to our accessibility, and we regretfully admit that we cannot accommodate wheelchair users. But when our friend Martin, who uses a chair, came for a visit, the issue became real for us. We built a makeshift ramp which was not very satisfactory. He slept on a foldout couch in the library, again, not exactly ideal, and not acceptable for regular guests. We got to talking and dreaming with him about how we could become barrierfree. The seed was planted and it has been germinating, and is now ready to grow into reality.
The plan is to move the kitchen back to its original location off the back of the inn, to the place we call "the pub room" (it contains an old bar, but we've never served drinks there. A more apt name would be "junk room"). The barrierfree bedroom and bathroom would be built where the kitchen is now. Above the new kitchen will be a space for yoga, meetings and other general uses.
Neahtawanta Center Board member, Bob Tinker, an architect in Ann Arbor, has agreed to do architectural plans for the project. The new kitchen will be a timberframe structure under the guidance of friend and architect Gary Cook from Gregory, Michigan. We are in the process of lining up a team of workers for the project, and will use some volunteer labor where feasible.
If all goes as planned we will begin the project as soon as the weather breaks in the spring. The construction will be in three phases.

Resources on the Internet concerning disabilities
More Resources on the Internet concerning disabilities

Phase I: will begin in March with the removal of the old kitchen structure. Then, when the weather permits, (end of April) the new foundation work will begin, to be completed by the end of May when we will construct the first floor deck. The timber frame structure will be built from June 1 to the 24 (including a workshop; see details this page).

Phase II: will be from June 25 th to October 22nd. This time will be low intensity construction, mostly quiet inside work relating to mechanical details. This will minimize noise and inconvenience for our guests during the busy summer and fall months.

Phase III: will be from October 23rd to December 15th. During this time we will finish the project and construction will be in full swing.

When will we be open for guests during the project?

During Phase I there will be a lot going on with a fair bit of noise and disruption. There will be some time during which we won't be able to have guests, so call ahead and check with us. During Phase II we will be fully open to all guests with a minimum level of disturbance. Phase III will be similar to phase I with a fair bit of noise and disruption and some times when we will be closed, so again, call and see how we are proceeding. This is a big project and we have experienced more than a little apprehension about embarking on such a huge undertaking. But we feel that becoming barrierfree is the right thing to do. And having a larger, more functional kitchen will be an asset. So, if you like to pound nails or enjoy watching a project unfold, come on up for a visit!