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TRPIL begins phase one of project

Observer-Reporter - 8/1/2017

Renovation of the Elizabethan Revival building at 42 W. Maiden St., Washington, will merge historic design with innovative functionality.TRPIL, Transitional Paths to Independent Living, which advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and promotes independent living, launched a capital campaign in 2010 to rehabilitate the 88-year-old former YWCA.A groundbreaking held Monday marked the start of phase one construction for the 25,000-square-foot structure."We see this as a long-term project," said TRPIL Chief Executive Officer Kathleen Kleinmann.To continue to accommodate a growing clientele, TRPIL, more than half of whose staff and board is composed of people with disabilities, will relocate from its current headquarters at 69 E. Beau St.Major interior demolition of the former YWCA, including the removal of asbestos and other hazardous material, was completed in 2016.The $4 million first phase includes renovation of the front section of the first three floors and basement into a training center and offices, including an internet café, wellness gym and assistive technology center. A glass "porte-cochere" addition will allow access to transportation under a protective roof. A new high-tech elevator will be able to accommodate three wheelchairs."The elevator will have not only typical controls, but floor-level controls. Our basic philosophy is, if you can move anything on your body, you can get around in the building," said project manager David Ball. "The idea is to try to make this building as much like before as we can. But it's also going to be extremely high-tech. Everything we do is aimed at servicing people with disabilities. All the construction we do is accessible."The development committee, with architect Kenneth Kulak and contractor Waller Corp., plan to alter color schemes and floor textures to assist those with hearing and sight impairments."It's been a learning experience as to what technology exists and to try to incorporate that into design," Ball said. "For example, one of the problems people have are commodes, like getting from a wheelchair to a commode. So we're trying out technology that raises and lowers the seat ? things that you never think of if you're an able-bodied person. But it is very important for people who need to use it. We're also trying to use this as an example (to other builders) of what people with disabilities need."Starting today, crews will demolish a secondary building that was used for training.The current parking lot will be made level and the exterior facade will be rehabilitated.Ball said TRPIL is close to securing the total $4.3 million that will be needed for the first phase, from a combination of grants and private contributions, though fundraising efforts for the entire project will continue.Phase one is scheduled to conclude by October 2018. Phase two will include renovation of the former gym and stage area and construction of a fourth-floor conservancy.Some of the original features to be restored include plaster work, chandeliers and the staircase."There are a lot of people who have a lot of good memories of this building, so we'll try to make it accessible to the community," Ball said. "It will bring back a lot of those memories, and hopefully, people will be able to use portions of the building for their events."

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