The Lewis Project

After a fall at his East Oxford Avenue, Alexandria home in 2007, Richard Lewis was left with a permanent paralysis after fracturing several vertebrae in his neck. Richard and Thelma Lewis were fortunate to receive a loan in the amount of $121,379 from the City of Alexandria under its HUD-funded Community Development Block Grant program.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis worked with Robert Larson of Larson Koenig Architects, LLC to develop a renovation plan addressing Mr. Lewis' accessibility needs. The plan called for the construction of an addition containing a handicapped accessible bedroom, bathroom and entrance.

In addition to the new space, doorways in the existing structure were widened to allow passage of a wheelchair to the home's living and dining areas. Lead-based paint was abated after discovering it on windows, doors, jambs, trim and baseboards, and new windows were installed for energy efficiency. The existing parking pad was reworked and a concrete walkway was installed from the street to the rear addition where an electric wheelchair lift was installed.

Learn more about Alexandria's Home Rehabilitation Loan program. (http://alexandriava.gov/housing/info/default.aspx?id=361#HRL)

Exterior view of the Lewis' East Oxford Avenue, Alexandria home showing new windows.

Making the new bathroom shower handicapped accessible

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