MCIL Accessibility Scavenger Hunt

Accessibility at Crosstown Concourse

Mem Pops uses a large menu

By Christina Clift
The Crosstown Concourse is roughly 1.5 million square feet of both commercial and residential space located at 495 N. Watkins.  It is indeed a vertical urban village in which residents can live, work and play without ever having to leave the building.  It contains a gym, pharmacy, nail shop, doctor offices, a variety of restaurants, bank, school, for profit and not for profit organizations, and much more.  

A cane detection area so white
cane users will not hit their
head on the stairs

A beautifully remodeled building that Memphians should be proud of.  Crosstown Concourse an example of what can go right when redeveloping an old building.  However no building is perfect and the Crosstown Concourse is no exception.  I discovered this over the last two weeks as I visited the building.

Automatic door at Crosstown

First, the Crosstown Concourse is accessible due to its location along a major bus route.  If you use public transportation to get around, you can use the number 42 or 53.  After getting off the bus and walking a short distance over sidewalks that are in really good condition, you will reach the main entrance to the building. 
 

painted floor guidance

For those who drive their own cars parking will require lots of circling around the parking lot, figuring out which entrance is the closest once you secure a spot, and when you’re ready to leave how to get back to your car.  There are also drop-off zones for individuals using Lyft, Uber, MATAplus and family and friends.  Finally, if you are into biking you can use the Bikeshare to get to around as well. 
 

Sign with no text alternative,
some Braille may help.

There are a few things that can make traveling to and from the Crosstown building a bit easier.  First, installing truncated domes within the parking area at curb ramps, drive ways, and crosswalks.  Also, bright yellow paint would give a visual warning that you are approaching and incline or steps. 
 
A crosswalk should be created at each bus stop to ensure the quickest route possible to the building, otherwise bus riders in some cases will have to walk an extra block to get to the main entrance.  One great feature at Crosstown Concourse is the audible traffic signals that make crossing the street easier for people with visual disabilities. 
 

Text directions at Crosstown,
much of the Navigation is visual

Next, the Crosstown Concourse is also accessible to individuals that use mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.  Each entrance has power assisted doors, but move quick because they close fairly fast. 
 
There are elevators located in the West, East, and Central Atriums that will carry you up to the higher levels of the buildings.  There are also ramps to navigate slight level changes. 
 
Individuals who’ve visited the gym are also pleased with the accessible locker rooms.  However, the doors seem a bit heavy, so you might need to give them a good push. 
 

Painted directions on the floor

There are plenty of signs on the wall and floor letting you know where to go, but that doesn’t help a person who is blind.  While a sighted person will be a bit overwhelmed on their first visit, at least they can follow the signs.
 
Perhaps a few braille signs letting you know which door you’re entering and an accessible directory of businesses that will help people find their way.  A little bit of textured paint or tape on the floor would also help people who are blind to find their way to the elevators or bathroom. 
 
Finally, not all of these ideas may be required under the ADA, but would make visiting the Crosstown Concourse a bit more accessible.  The open concept design of the building makes it accessible to some, but extremely difficult to navigate for others.  Somewhere there should be a balance between the two. 
 
MCIL will notify the Crosstown Concourse about our concerns and request the suggested accessibility upgrades mentioned in this blog.  So, I invite everyone to visit the building and see what’s going on in an area being revitalized in our city, so that way when other areas are developed it can be even better.