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Commission briefed on Pacific Biological Laboratories accessibility plan and ARG cost estimate
Summary
Staff said a concept accessibility plan for Pacific Biological Laboratories will go to the Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 12; Architectural Resources Group provided an estimated cost (over $2 million) and commissioners discussed alternatives including rear-lift access, virtual tours and phased work to avoid altering historic fabric.
The commission discussed accessibility options for Pacific Biological Laboratories and next steps in the historic-review process.
Brian, representing museum staff, said the accessibility concept plan will be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission on Feb. 12 so the commission can consider the concept (not final architectural drawings). "This proposal would be going to historic preservation commission next week February 12th," he said, adding that the concept would guide future design and fundraising while detailed plans return for review.
ARG's cost estimate: Commissioners noted that Architectural Resources Group provided a construction cost estimate "for over $2 million," which staff described as a high-level figure tied to historic-preservation constraints and specialized work. Brian said the estimate reflects careful treatment of historic materials and work on stairs and exterior elements rather than wholesale alteration of the primary historic façade.
Access alternatives and constraints: Commissioners and staff discussed multiple paths to improve access while limiting damage to historic fabric. Options included replacing non-historic rear stairs and installing a limited-use limited-application (LULA) lift to provide occasional wheelchair access to lower levels, adding an accessible restroom beneath the rear stairs, or offering off-site or virtual-access alternatives (library-hosted VR or iPad tours). Brian said virtual tours have been piloted using a narrated VR tour created with a private studio and that staff could arrange library-based headset days as an accommodation.
Technical and program implications: Commissioners raised questions about door widths, ramp slope and maintenance. Staff noted steep site slopes and constraints that make a ramp impractical without extensive alteration; elevators would substantially increase cost and regulatory requirements. Commissioners also discussed that LULA lifts are intended for limited use and require an attendant and maintenance, while ramps and elevators have different trade-offs in accessibility, historic preservation and long-term maintenance.
Next steps: Staff said the concept is intended to secure the Historic Preservation Commission's conceptual approval so staff can pursue fundraising, private donors and detailed architectural drawings for a subsequent submission. No formal action or funding commitment was taken at the meeting; staff will report back after the Feb. 12 preservation commission meeting and as fundraising or design options are developed.
The commission's discussion emphasized minimizing intrusion into the historic façade, prioritizing rear-porch modifications and combining on-site partial accessibility with off-site virtual options where necessary.
