Ramp raises accessibility of historic Naperville meeting space
A ramp added to the back of an old church is working wonders to make the Naperville Woman's Club's meeting space accessible to all after a $94,000 renovation project concluded this fall.
Club members say the wheelchair-accessible ramp and accessible first-floor bathrooms are a major improvement at a building they've owned since 1925, but left mainly as it was when it was built in 1899. Results of the project at the Old Stone Church at 14 S. Washington St. were introduced to the community during an open house Friday.
"It was a great success in terms of making a century-old building handicapped accessible," Woman's Club member Georgiann Baldino said about the remodeling project. "It really makes the building much more user-friendly for all those involved."
The ramp rises from the back of the building off Central Park Road, leaving the front stairs to the church's historic facade untouched. Near the ramp entrance is the wheelchair-accessible bathroom and a new catering kitchen where groups that rent the space can keep prepared food warm.
Baldino said work to build the ramp, bathroom and kitchen was complete in early September and a group renting the facility for a bridal shower was the first to use it after the upgrades.
Since then, the club has been working on finishing touches including painting and decorating.
And with the renovation now complete, club women are preparing for a high school art contest next year and a philanthropy night in March to honor local service organizations and give charitable donations.