Downtown United Presbyterian Church Accessibility

Downtown United Presbyterian Church

The Sanctuary

is used weekly for worship by two congregations, and has hosted hundreds of concerts, lectures, weddings, and performances. It boosts stellar acoustics and a Fisk pipe organ. The stage has removable furniture and can accommodate risers. The main floor can seat 400 comfortably, while the balcony can seat an additional 300. Seating is fixed pews with openings for wheelchair seating.

The Taylor Chapel

A more intimate worship/performance space, the Taylor Chapel has seating to accommodate 70 people comfortably. It has a more narrow ramp configuration to allow for wheelchair access. Space in front of the pews and in the rear allows for limited wheelchair seating.

Celebration Hall

An exceptionally versatile space where theatre performances, lectures, film festivals, and interactive events have been held, Celebration Hall features a stage on the east end complete with a main curtain. Seating can be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate up to 160. Located on the second floor of the Institute Building, it is across and just down the hall from the accessible elevator

The Shaw Room

Video equipment and Zoom capability means this room can accommodate video conferences, meetings, and lectures that require remote broadcasting via Zoom. It can be set up for a speaker, for meetings in-the-round, or for a smaller gathering using the couches and chairs at the north end. An event here can host up to 100 people.

Hallock Lounge

This light-filled space on the first floor of the Institute Building features windows on three sides, in addition to ample electric lighting throughout. It is an infinitely configurable space that can accommodate lectures and trainings, as well as parties, showers and receptions for up to 90 people.

Location

121 North Fitzhugh Street

Rochester NY, 14614

Manager

Eileen Schad-Dietsch, Director of Operations

Parking and Drop-Off Areas

4 parking spaces marked with International Symbol of Accessibility available, on street in front of Institute Building
Accessible parking is close to accessible entrance with wide sidewalk area connecting them.
One weekends and weekdays after 5:30 the large parking lots across the street is open and available for free parking. This lot also has parking spaces marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility.
Accessible parking is also available at the Sister Cities Parking Garage one block south of the church.

Accessible Approach/Entrance

Sidewalks outside the building are wide and have curb cuts at corners and in front of building on Fitzhugh St.
Objects can be detected by person with visual disability using a cane.
Stairs leading up to the sanctuary have railings and wide double doors.
A ramp entrance from the street is located between the Taylor Chapel on the left and the Sanctuary on the right. This entrance will permit access to all venues.

Accessible Approach/Entrance

Slope of exterior and interior ramp no greater than 1:12
Exterior and interior ramp have metal railings on both sides.
Exterior and interior ramps have slip-resistant surfaces.
Width between railings at least 36”

Entrance

Ramp entrance is fully accessible from sidewalk to interior of the church.
Entrance door is a double door with at least 32” of clear opening with at least 18”of clear space on the pull side of door, next to handle
Threshold edge is accessible
Ramp door has a call button for DUPC receptionist who can unlock door from inside.
No automatic door button on the exterior, there is an automatic door button on the interior.

Rooms and Spaces

Aisles and pathways to materials and services are at least 36” wide.
At least 5-foot space for turning a wheelchair completely.
Obstacles are cane-detectable in circulation paths through public reas.

Seats

Aisles between fixed seating at least 36” wide
Spaces for wheelchair seating distributed throughout sanctuary.
Chapel has limited area for wheelchair seating.
Celebration Hall is fully able to accommodate multiple wheelchairs.

Elevator

Elevator available and easily operable to reach all second floor venues in Institute Building.
Ramp from ramp door entrance and hallway to elevator at least 36” wide throughout.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms with pictograms used to identify restrooms (includes braille).
Doorway to accessible restrooms have at least 32” clear with accessible handles.
Adequate maneuvering space for a person using a wheelchair
36” wide path to all fixtures.
Accessible stall with grab bars on the side of wall nearest to the toilet.
Stall doors: opens out/have to pull handle.
Accessible stall also contain fold-away diaper changing stations.