When people think about accessibility upgrades, they usually picture private homes or newer buildings.
But one of the most impressive historic building accessibility projects in Frederick I’ve seen recently happened right in the heart of Downtown Frederick, inside one of the city’s most iconic historic spaces.
If you’ve ever stepped inside Citizens Ballroom, you already know this isn’t your average building.
This post is sponsored by Next Day Access Central Maryland.
A Frederick Wedding & Special Event Venue With Serious History
Citizens Ballroom is a cornerstone building turned wedding and special event venue in Downtown Frederick.
Originally built in 1908, the former bank has been lovingly restored and reimagined as a celebration space right in the center of town.
The space still features:
- Original bronze doors
- Statement 30-foot coffered ceilings
- Signature bank vaults
- A stunning (and challenging) solid marble staircase
It’s the kind of venue that makes people stop mid-conversation and look around.
But with historic beauty comes a very real challenge: How do you make a building like this accessible without compromising what makes it special?
Professional Stairlift Installation Frederick MD: Why Expertise Matters
Stairlift and accessibility upgrades in historic buildings in Frederick are not plug-and-play.
Every detail matters, especially when preservation is part of the equation.
At Citizens Ballroom, the staircase alone presented multiple challenges:
- It’s constructed entirely of solid marble
- The staircase is extremely narrow
- The building’s historic status required heightened caution
- There was zero room for mistakes that could potentially damage the structure
This wasn’t a simple install. It required planning, patience, and precision.
No pressure at all, right?
Why This Project Required the Right Accessibility Experts
This project was handled by Next Day Access Central Maryland, a local accessibility and mobility company serving Frederick County and the surrounding areas.
I’ve met with owners Mark Gilliece, Jr. and Casey Hanagan multiple times now and what really stands out to me is how thoughtful and methodical they are, especially with complex spaces.
Before any installation could begin, Next Day Access Central Maryland completed a detailed photo survey to accurately measure dimensions and determine the proper lift angles for the stair incline.
Because the staircase is solid marble:
- Specialized drilling techniques were required
- Professional-grade tools were used
- Extra time was built in to avoid cracking or damaging the stone
The narrow staircase also limited product options, meaning the stairlift had to be carefully selected to ensure proper fit, safe operation, and long-term reliability.
And because this is a historic building, all work had to be performed with added care to preserve the architectural integrity of the space.
“Historic buildings don’t give you room for shortcuts. Every measurement, material, and decision has to be right the first time.”
That balance between preservation and safety is exactly where experience matters.
And that’s why whenever you consider a stairlift installation in Frederick MD, Next Day Access Central Maryland is the obvious choice.
Can a Stairlift Be Installed in a Historic Building?
The short answer is yes, but the longer answer is: Only when it’s done correctly.
Historic buildings require:
- Custom accessibility solutions
- Careful product selection
- Installers who understand preservation concerns
- Planning that prioritizes both safety and structure
At Citizens Ballroom, additional planning and precision by Next Day Access Central Maryland ultimately ensured that the stairlift operates smoothly while keeping the character of the building intact.
Historic Home Accessibility Solutions For Frederick Residents
This project isn’t ONLY relevant for commercial spaces or event venues.
It’s especially important for Frederick homeowners, many of whom live in older or historic homes with:
- Narrow staircases
- Original materials like hardwood or stone
- Layouts that weren’t designed with mobility in mind
If a team can safely install a stairlift in a 1908 historic bank with a narrow marble staircase, that same level of care translates directly to residential projects.
Clearly, this matters most for families caring for aging parents, homeowners planning to age in place, as well as temporary needs after a surgery or injury.
Next Day Access Central Maryland offers both sales AND rentals, which can be a huge help for families who don’t necessarily need a permanent solution.
They can even help as quickly as the very next day, which is something many people don’t realize is even possible.
Accessibility Isn’t Just About Compliance. It’s About Inclusion
At its core, accessibility is about making sure everyone can safely participate.
In a venue like Citizens Ballroom, this means ensuring that guests of ALL ages and abilities can comfortably AND confidently attend weddings, celebrations, and special events.
For homes, families, and caregivers this means peace of mind, more options and timely support when when the needs arise.
What to Consider When Installing a Stairlift
If you’re researching stairlifts or accessibility upgrades, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Stair width and material matter more than most people expect
- Older and historic homes require extra care
- Professional measurements are critical
- Rentals can be a smart option for short-term needs
- Timelines vary, but local providers like Next Day Access Central Maryland can help with stairlift installation in Frederick MD much faster than you’d think
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with proper planning, custom solutions, and experienced installers.
It depends on the space and materials, but professional planning can prevent delays.
Yes. Next Day Access Central Maryland offers rentals as well as purchases.
Options include stairlifts, grab bars, improved lighting, and custom accessibility solutions.
Accessibility doesn’t have to mean sacrificing beauty, history, or character.
This Downtown Frederick project proves that with the right expertise, you really can maintain it all.
For professional stairlift installation and historic building accessibility solutions in Frederick, MD, contact Next Day Access Central Maryland today at (240) 929-2751.
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