Pratt Institute, North Hall Elevator and Ramp Project

Burns provided structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire alarm design and construction oversight for the North Hall Elevator and Ramp Project, which included reworking the previously inaccessible west entrance to include a new vestibule, entry stairs, a ramp, and 4-stop elevator.

The Pratt Institute is committed to ensuring that all people have a full and equal opportunity to benefit from the Institute’s programs, services, and accommodations. With this commitment in mind, Pratt engaged Burns and JacobsWyper Architects to address accessibility issues occurring at North Hall, home to many classrooms, the Study Abroad Office, the Writing Center and the Provost’s Office. Since its completion in the spring of 2025, the North Hall Elevator and Ramp project has not only brought the building’s entrance up to ADA standards but also improved the aesthetics and overall user experience of this incredibly active and vibrant building.

North Hall was designed by McKim, Mead, & White in 1958 as part of an urban renewal project. Because it shares a party wall with Memorial Hall, the project required underpinning and coordination with the existing foundations of both buildings. In addition, the new ramp was designed to cantilever to avoid foundation conflicts with the existing protected tree located at the site.

Burns’ scope of work included:

• Replacing existing entry with new steel canopy, glass storefront, concrete stairway, and cantilevered ramp
• Designing structural shaft and foundations for new elevator addition
• Rerouting existing steam piping on each floor to accommodate the elevator doors
• Adding a mini-spilt system to cool the elevator machine room
• Designing drainage for the new entrance canopy
• Providing lighting and power connections for the elevator and related equipment
• Supporting the elevator design with fire alarm, lighting, and power connections