HARRISBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced the initiation of an accessibility study aimed at enhancing access and mobility for individuals with disabilities throughout the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex. This study, led by the Department of General Services (DGS), is part of Executive Order 2024-01, signed by Governor Josh Shapiro in May to boost the competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s workforce.
The study will focus on the five core buildings of the Capitol Complex: Pennsylvania State Capitol, East Wing, North Office Building, K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and Matthew J. Ryan Legislative Office Building. B. Voith & Mactavish Architects, a DGS-certified small diverse business, will conduct the study, which is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
“I believe there should be no wrong door for accessing state government, and that includes making our Capitol Complex a more accessible place for Pennsylvanians to visit and work in,” stated Governor Shapiro. He emphasized that the Capitol Complex should be inclusive for all Pennsylvanians, enabling them to witness their government in action.
The study will evaluate public accessibility from site arrival points to primary function areas. This includes parking, streets, sidewalks, exterior building access, hallways, signage, counter heights, and restrooms. Various agencies, commissions, and stakeholder groups will contribute to the study, ensuring the proposed improvements meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and have a reasonable chance of approval for historic structural adaptations.
“Whether it’s opening contracting opportunities to historically disenfranchised business owners or improving access to Commonwealth buildings and facilities, inclusivity is a priority of the Shapiro-Davis Administration,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. He stressed that the study will explore multidisciplinary strategies to enhance accessibility while preserving the historical integrity of the Capitol Complex.
DGS has already implemented significant ADA-compliant updates at the Capitol Complex over the past decade. These include fully accessible restrooms in the East Wing and North Office Building, new elevators in the K. Leroy Irvis Office Building, and raised crosswalks throughout the complex. Future plans include the installation of a 20-person passenger elevator in the East Wing of the Capitol Building.
The study’s recommendations will build on these improvements, ensuring that the Capitol Complex remains welcoming and accessible to all Pennsylvanians.
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