Four Freedoms Park

The Four Freedoms Park is a nationally significant memorial, built to honor President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his vision of the “Four Freedoms.” The park was designed by the celebrated architect Louis Kahn shortly before his death in 1974. Kahn was carrying the final plans with him when he passed away, and though the park wasn’t completed until 2012, much of it was built according to his original design.

• Because of this historical importance, contractors and stakeholders were extremely cautious about making any changes that could disturb the site’s integrity.
• Every modification required review and approval to ensure that accessibility could be added without compromising the park’s character.

Handi-Lift designed and installed a Garaventa Artira turning inclined platform lift that travels straight up a long flight of granite stairs. The major challenge to this installation was meeting the stringent requirements of the park designers. The lift is supported by core-drilled towers securing the rails on every step, covering a total of 24 risers. This allows the tubes and towers to have a uniform appearance when viewing the stairs along with the beauty of the park.

At the lower landing, the lift makes a 90-degree turn for convenient platform parking while leaving the lift off the stair pathway and out of the architect’s sightlines. Another 90-degree turn at the upper landing accommodates the drive box and auxiliary power unit while preserving clear pathways for visitors.

Other key features include:

• A cellular phone line on the platform for emergency communication which was difficult to achieve because of the unique power and wiring requirements for the moving platform of the Artira.
• Illuminated call stations for visibility and ease of use at any time of day during changing weather conditions.
• Painted stainless-steel rails, designed for both the durability and weather resistance of the outdoor environment and aesthetic harmony with the marble staircase.

The installation required numerous design revisions and close coordination with our project partners to meet accessibility goals while maintaining the park’s architectural dignity. The project was successfully completed in 2021.

The finished installation provides safe, independent access for visitors with mobility challenges, allowing everyone to experience the park’s grandeur from top to bottom. The lift blends seamlessly with the surrounding stonework, preserving the visual symmetry and timeless beauty of Kahn’s design.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful design, precise engineering, and collaboration can bring accessibility to even the most historically sensitive sites. Handi-Lift is proud to have contributed to making this national landmark more inclusive—ensuring that the ideals of freedom and equality celebrated by the park extend to all who visit.