Across Colorado, churches, fraternal lodges, small offices and historic main street buildings face the same question. How do we make the second floor, or the basement hall, available to everyone? A full commercial elevator is often too large and too expensive. A LULA elevator is designed for exactly this.
What it is
LULA stands for Limited Use, Limited Application. It is a class of passenger elevator for low-rise buildings with light traffic. It has an enclosed cab, automatic doors and push buttons, like any elevator, in a smaller and simpler package.
Why building committees choose it
- Lower cost than a standard commercial elevator
- A small hoistway that is easier to fit into an existing building
- A shallow pit and modest overhead clearance
- An enclosed, dignified ride for all visitors
Typical uses
- Sanctuary level to fellowship hall
- Ground-floor shop to upstairs offices
- Lodge entrance to meeting room
- Library or town hall with two levels
Compared with a platform lift
A platform lift is the economical choice for a short rise. A LULA is better for a full story, for heavier use, and where an enclosed cab is wanted.
Check before you plan
- Whether a LULA is permitted for your building’s size and use, which your architect and the local building department can confirm
- Where the hoistway can go
- Whether the building is historic, and what review applies
Funding
Congregations and nonprofits often fund accessibility projects through capital campaigns, memorial gifts and grants. Businesses should ask their accountant about tax incentives for barrier removal.
The process
A site survey, a proposal your board can review, then installation scheduled around your activities.
Start the conversation
See our LULA elevators page. Call Nationwide Lifts of Colorado on (303) 942-0810 or request a site visit.