In order to provide universal access to the most-visited church in Boston, Claude Emanuel Menders, Architects Inc. redesigned the main entrance doors, vestibule and brick forecourt of the Old North Church. At the same time, the wrought iron fence, gates and stone base were restored, with the new steps to the sidewalk allowing the re-laid brick pavers to ramp up to the entrance. The front doors were replaced in a design to match archival photographs, with both concealed and exposed hardware to satisfy requirements for fire egress, functional flexibility, and historical accuracy.
This project received an Award from the Boston Society of Architects and the Massachusetts Archival Access Board for “access solutions which are innovative, creative, aesthetically pleasing and usable by everyone.”
The success of this endeavor is in the inconspicuous nature of changes to the main facade of this National Historic Landmark.