The Ronald McDonald House is a two-story facility, with a basement, located at 825 SW Buchanan Street. Built in 1906, it served as a residence until it was purchased in 1987 by Topeka’s Love for Children as the community’s future Ronald McDonald House, which opened on June 15, 1988.
· At the time of remodel/reconfiguration, an elevator was installed to meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) and RMHC Global requirements and allow access throughout the House.
· According to a study completed in November 2011, the Ronald McDonald House elevator had a projected 20-year life expectancy. The original hydraulic elevator system still operates today, 36 years later and far beyond the projected end of this elevator’s useful life and major components.
· Having an operating elevator is a mandatory requirement for all Ronald McDonald Houses related to their charter to operate as well as to maintain ADA compliance. Among the most important aspects of building codes addressed by the ADA is the need for elevators.
· It is crucial the existing elevator be modernized while it continues to be operational to minimize the timespan for which the elevator would be out of service.
o Most guest families at Topeka’s Ronald McDonald House have preterm or sick newborn babies who are receiving care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Stormont Vail Health. A considerable number of these moms experienced difficult deliveries and/or caesarian section births, leaving them in pain. Very few are physically capable of walking a flight of stairs early in their RMHC stay.
· Replacement parts are no longer available for the existing elevator.
· Without ADA compliance, the Ronald McDonald House would be unable to remain open to provide critical services to families with hospitalized children.
Project Cost: $140,000