Daniel Pierce Library
The Daniel Pierce Library is nestled in the scenic Catskill Mountains just 100 miles from New York City. Daniel Pierce, a successful native son, donated the original building, which was completed in 1902.
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Overview
Nestled in the picturesque Catskill Mountains, just 100 miles from New York City, the Daniel Pierce Library is a cornerstone of the Tri-Valley community. Originally built in 1902 through a generous donation from Daniel Pierce, a successful local philanthropist, the library now combines the charm of its restored historic building with a modern 23,500 square-foot addition. This expansion houses a Children’s Literacy Center, Reading Room, Community Center, and Computer facilities with free, building-wide WiFi. The renovations were largely completed by dedicated local volunteers, showcasing the community’s strong commitment to its library.
Challenge
The library’s extensive renovations and expansion presented several unique challenges:
Maintaining Aesthetic Harmony: The new wheelchair lift needed to seamlessly integrate with both the historic charm of the restored 1902 building and the modern aesthetics of the new addition.
Custom Engineering: The lift required custom-built entrances and hardware to match the architectural and functional requirements of the space.
Collaborative Coordination: Close collaboration with local fabricators, contractors, and the library’s board was essential to ensure precision and adherence to the library’s mission.
Design & Execution
Custom Wheelchair Lift: Handi-Lift installed a Garaventa SW 42 model lift, customized with a special paint finish and tailored to fit the library’s design.
- Custom Entrances: Both the lower and upper entrances were crafted as standalone assemblies featuring:
Special Stainless Steel Shoes: Designed to house interlocks and bare-edge glass doors.
High-Quality Components: Including Dorma BTS floor closers, Garaventa Powerlock 2000 Interlocks, custom patch hardware, and unique pull handles.
Fabrication by Local Experts: Entrances were designed for easy installation on contractor-provided blocking.
Comprehensive Support: Handi-Lift provided detailed shop drawings, coordinated closely with contractors, and conducted multiple site visits to ensure an optimal outcome.
Results
The Daniel Pierce Library now boasts a state-of-the-art wheelchair lift that enhances accessibility while preserving the library’s aesthetic integrity. This achievement reflects the collaborative efforts of a dedicated Library Board, committed staff, heroic volunteers, and supportive patrons.
The library continues to fulfill its mission of providing exceptional services to the Tri-Valley community, serving as a vibrant hub for literacy, learning, and connection. Handi-Lift is proud to have contributed to this vital community resource by delivering “Accessibility with Dignity.”
Technical Specifications
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Lift Model and Customization
A Garaventa SW 42 model wheelchair lift was selected and customized with a special paint finish to complement the restored and expanded aesthetics of the Daniel Pierce Library.
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Custom Entrance Assemblies
Both lower and upper entrances were designed as standalone assemblies featuring:
- Special stainless steel shoes to house interlocks and bare-edge glass doors.
- Integration of Dorma BTS floor closers, Garaventa Powerlock 2000 Interlocks, custom patch hardware, and pull handles.
- Locally fabricated components, ensuring precise alignment with the architectural style.
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Fabrication and Installation
The entrance assemblies were fabricated by local experts and designed for easy mounting onto contractor-provided blocking, ensuring efficient installation and long-term durability.
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Coordination and Detailing
Handi-Lift provided detailed shop drawings with comprehensive coordination information to streamline collaboration with other trades. Multiple site visits ensured the lift met both aesthetic and functional goals.
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Facility Details
The lift serves a renovated library space that includes a 23,500 square-foot addition with modern facilities such as a Children’s Literacy Center, Reading Room, Community Center, and free building-wide WiFi access.
Location
328 Main Street, Box 268, Grahamsville, NY
