The Four Seasons Hotel

The primary challenge was to implement ADA accessibility while respecting the sophisticated design vision of the hotel. Specific obstacles included:

• Limited Pit Depth: The vertical lifts had only 8" of pit depth available, requiring innovative sling and finish design.
• Complex Entrances: Entrances with bronze-clad doors and recessed nickel silver pull handles required precise coordination.
• Complex Coordination: Multiple parts suppliers and construction trades had to work together to complete the intricate installation.
• Unique Hydraulic Lift Design: Two hydraulic lifts in the 57th Street grand foyer needed to support heavy stone fascias (450 lbs) while concealing their drive mechanisms and structures.
• Elaborate Gate Designs: Custom gates matching the foyer’s railings were intricate and featured exposed glass edges in complex bronze frames.
• Architectural Integration: The lifts had to blend seamlessly with the hotel’s luxurious interior, requiring custom finishes and hardware.
• Custom Requirements: The lifts required tailored enclosures and unique systems to meet both architectural and ADA requirements.
• Innovative Problem-Solving: New solutions were needed to address issues such as the lock system and gate support.

To overcome these challenges, Handi-Lift implemented innovative solutions:

• Custom Vertical Platform Lifts:
  • Five screw-drive lifts with National Wheel-O-Vator systems were installed behind bronze-clad doors. A custom sling (5" thick) reduced the thickness of the finishes using a thin-set stone flooring technique.
  • Glass barriers were inserted into vertical stainless-steel members with custom glazing channels to ensure stability and meet design specifications.
  • Special attention was given to integrating the lifts seamlessly into the architectural layout while maintaining ADA compliance.
• Hydraulic Lifts for the Grand Foyer:
  • Delco Elevator Products supplied a custom sling and guide rail system for two hydraulic lifts, with guide wheels ensuring a 1/4" running clearance.
  • A "box within a box" support concept was implemented for gate posts, with Rixon gate closers and Locnetics gate locks securing the 200 lb. gates.
• Inclined Platform Lifts:
  • Five Garaventa inclined platform lifts were installed in stairwells to ensure accessibility for employee areas.
• Custom Entrances:
  • Bronze-clad doors featured no exposed hardware, utilizing Rixon hinges and recessed pull handles.
  • Folger-Adams electric deadbolts were modified for door-monitoring and latch-check functionality, eliminating visible hardware.
• Gate Innovations:
  • Gates were designed to match the foyer railings, with five pieces of exposed-edge glass mounted in a bronze frame.
  • A custom 2-1/4" OD tube and stainless steel base plate supported the gates, ensuring stability and durability.
• Collaborative Trade Coordination:
  • Close collaboration between stonemasons, electricians, ironworkers, carpenters, and lift manufacturers ensured precise execution and integration.

Handi-Lift successfully delivered a comprehensive accessibility solution for The Four Seasons Hotel:

• Enhanced Accessibility: The 12 lifts provided seamless access across the lobby and lower floor, making the hotel fully ADA compliant.

• Architectural Harmony: The beautifully designed lifts complemented the hotel’s stunning architectural features, maintaining the elegance of the space.

• Technological Advancement: The project drove innovation in wheelchair lift technology, showcasing new solutions that can be applied in future projects.

The project underscores Handi-Lift’s commitment to combining accessibility with architectural excellence, ensuring functionality without compromising design.