Handrails Installation at Blair House Complex Entrance Stairs
704 Jackson Place, NW: Proposed addition of secondary, code-compliant handrails at entrance stair Constructed in 1861 and purchased by the U.S. Government in 1950, the rowhouse at 704 Jackson Place, NW was incorporated into the President's Guest House in 1969. The rowhouse is adjacent to (north of) the corner rowhouse at Jackson Place and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The Blair House Complex is occupied by the U.S. Department of State and serves our nation’s diplomatic activities. The entrance, which faces Jackson Place and Lafayette Square, is the primary entry for Blair House public events, such as the annual holiday gatherings, hosted by the U.S. Department of State. The brownstone stair assembly was installed in the late 1980's, replicating the original, which was removed due to its severe deterioration. A safety concern has been noted, as the brownstone railings’ width and height do not afford a safe means of grabbing and holding should a person entering or exiting the building lose balance, particularly when the steps are wet. Further, the ambient lighting on Jackson Place is low, adding to the safety concern of those using the stairs. GSA proposes adding a pair of secondary, ABA Standards code-compliant handrails, following the example of those added at public historic building entrances throughout the District of Columbia. The simple railings are designed to acknowledge their additive, secondary status, while being compatible with the brownstone railings. The proposed handrails have as small a diameter top rail as allowable to meet code (1 ½ inches), the smallest cross section picket structurally feasible, (1 1/8 inches), and the minimum structurally acceptable number of pickets to support the top rail.
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