Does the ADA Require Barrier Removal in Historic Buildings?
Yes, if it is readily achievable. However, the ADA takes into account the national interest in preserving significant historic structures. Barrier removal would not be considered readily achievable if it would threaten or destroy the historic significance of a building or facility that is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under the National Historic Preservation Act (16 U.S.C. 470, et seq.), or is designated as historic under State or local law. EXAMPLE 1: A residential treatment program is located in a century old house that was designed by a famous architect and is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. An architect familiar with disability access regulations has determined that ramping the front entrance would require extensive structural modifications to the front porch. The porch roof is supported by decorative columns that cannot be moved, and a ramp cannot fit between them. Therefore, ramping the front entrance would not be readily ach
