Foxhole Terrain Company  | 09 Dec 2016 11:02 a.m. PST |
I wanted to check in with anyone who went to Fall In. how is the Host? I understand a lot of changes were made. I am disabled – I use a walker and wheelchair. At previous cons at the Host, it was not handicap friendly at all.
Any views, suggestions, or ideas? |
pzivh43  | 09 Dec 2016 12:04 p.m. PST |
I didn't see any changes in the ADA designs, but they were busy in various areas with the renovation. I have hopes it will be a quality job, but hard to tell so far. Would expect to see some significant progress by Cold Wars. |
| BTCTerrainman | 09 Dec 2016 12:14 p.m. PST |
Lots of work needed to bring that facility back. I would not expect many changes affecting handicap access anytime soon. Too much other work first, and likely if they make major changes, then they will loose their grandfathered status and have to bring everything up to current codes which would likely be cost prohibitive. |
| robert piepenbrink | 09 Dec 2016 12:43 p.m. PST |
At second hand, I was informed at Fall In that the Host will be handicap-accessible when they're done with the rehab, but the place obviously won't be completely up to speed by March. If it was me, I'd call them and ask how accessible they expected to be by March. I'd also mention particular concerns. This might get them higher on the list, and there may be something already you don't know about. (I talked at Fall In with someone who had attended multiple conventions and had just picked up on a handy but rather inconspicuous ramp outside the Distlefink.) |
| rmaker | 09 Dec 2016 8:49 p.m. PST |
From what I saw when I attended Historicon at the Host with a wheelchair-bound friend, the only way to make that building handicap accessible is to tear it down and rebuild. |
| zoneofcontrol | 09 Dec 2016 9:03 p.m. PST |
It seems to me that the Host rehab has started with the internal infrastructure, plumbing, HVAC, etc. That seems like a logical place to start. I too would imagine that the bulk of the external and visible changes would happen once that stuff is at or near completion. |
| number4 | 09 Dec 2016 10:54 p.m. PST |
a logical place to start would be to take off and nuke the entire site from orbit – it's the only way to be sure |
| Retiarius9 | 01 Jan 2017 1:35 p.m. PST |
i thought the host had a handicap ramp and elevators |
| HMS Exeter | 01 Jan 2017 3:00 p.m. PST |
The Host has a ramp from the front lot into the lobby, but from what I have seen posted, its' slope is fairly daunting. Once you're in the lobby, that's where it all gets complicated. There is an elevator that connects the lobby to the 600 series rooms (about 20) and the lower lobby. The lower lobby has a ramp that connects to the 100 series rooms (about 20, most removed from service.). There is a special open lift to the flea market and tourney area, but I think it has been broken for years. There is another lift that connects the lobby to the 300 series rooms, but it looks awful rickety. There is basically no access to the vendor barn. The 200, 400 and 500 series rooms are completely inaccessible. Several of the smaller game rooms on the lower lobby level have steps rendering them inaccessible too. It's far from an ideal situation. |
| thor521 | 01 Jan 2017 3:31 p.m. PST |
The lift was working in the Lampeter room as my friend from York was able to use it. The dealer area was a pain because he had to drive his car to t other side of the barn and was able to come in thru the loading dock doors |
| vagamer63 | 01 Jan 2017 5:07 p.m. PST |
There is also Handicap Access to the 200 Level Rooms via the Access Doors located on each side of the Breezeway provided by the Maintenance Driveway to the Pool Area. Which is located between the "C" & "D" wings ( I believe) of the building. All the Hallways on that level have wheel chair ramps located next to any stairs. There are also Handicapped Parking Spaces located near that access point. |
| cleo liebl | 02 Jan 2017 2:03 p.m. PST |
I'm lugging around a 15 pound oxygen tank so I'm quite dependent on elevators. The rickety one from the main lobby to the 300 is just that "rickety". But it works. The lift to Lampeter was working, also rather rickety. Driving around to the lower level of the dealers' area also works. But, it's not the best nor easiest solution. However, at F'burg, if the few handicapped parking spots are full (which happens quite quickly in the morning) I'm trekking across a long parking lot in the July heat. Also, not the best nor easiest. Why not provide air conditioned limos, complete with Sherpas, for loading and unloading terraine? Some chilled wine on the side….I could really get used to this. Cleo |
| capncarp | 02 Jan 2017 2:15 p.m. PST |
Ditto to what Thor521 says: the lift does work, although it is not readily intuitive on its operation. If you ask at the desk, or one of the staff, they will demonstrate for you.
And yes, there is a ramp leading down to the side door of the tennis barn for wheelchair/etc access. Handicap parking is there too. |
| thor521 | 02 Jan 2017 3:34 p.m. PST |
Cleo. As long as you and Bob keep bringing and feeding me COOKIES. I'll be happy to be your SHERPA
Walt from MD |
| Charlie 12 | 02 Jan 2017 3:55 p.m. PST |
Why not provide air conditioned limos, complete with Sherpas, for loading and unloading terraine? Some chilled wine on the side….I could really get used to this. Cleo Now that's a thoroughly civilized idea! Especially the wine!  |
| Stepman3 | 04 Jan 2017 6:52 a.m. PST |
…or maybe at least a golf cart shuttle to the dealers hall for some folks. I'll volunteer to drive it… |
