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Seattle vs Westminster: Choosing the Right Retracting Stair Lift for Restricted Sites in NYC & the USA

Key Takeaways

  • Retracting stair lifts are often the only viable accessibility solution for constrained city entrances, especially in Manhattan, Brooklyn and wider NYC historic districts.

  • When structural beams, sidewalk vaults or foundation lines block horizontal retraction, the Seattle vertical retracting-stair lift becomes the stronger candidate.

  • Westminster requires sideways retraction space and a minimum overall width of approximately 49 inches (1240 mm), making it unsuitable for many narrow New York City accessible entrances.

  • ASME 18.1, New York City accessibility requirements, and MOPD approval significantly influence which lift can be used in US landmark renovations.

  • Older staircases may be grandfathered in, but new uses or renovations trigger modern accessibility obligations that retracting stair lifts can help satisfy.

Introduction

Across the USA, and particularly in New York City’s dense urban neighbourhoods, architects frequently face the challenge of making entrances accessible where traditional platform lifts simply cannot fit. Manhattan heritage buildings, Soho storefronts, Brooklyn brownstones and landmark commercial properties often feature narrow entries, projecting beams, sidewalk vaults and deep foundation lines that restrict what can be installed.

Retracting stair lifts, which convert a staircase into a platform lift when needed, are a discreet and highly engineered option that can meet both accessibility and aesthetic requirements while preserving historic street façades.

This article compares two Sesame Access solutions commonly evaluated for American projects: the Seattle vertical retracting-stair lift and the Westminster horizontal retracting-stair lift. Drawing from a technical feasibility discussion for a New York project, we explore when each model is appropriate, what space they require and how they interact with US codes and structural conditions.

Why Retracting Stair Lifts Are Essential for Urban US Entrances

In many parts of New York City, accessible design is complicated by limited sidewalk depth, narrow façade openings and historical constraints. Standard platform lifts often require large pits, tall enclosures or external railings that are incompatible with heritage objectives or local zoning rules.

Retracting stair lifts solve this by disguising a lift within the stairs themselves. When not in use, visitors experience a conventional staircase. When activated, the stairs retract vertically or horizontally and reveal a platform lift.

They are especially relevant for projects where:

  • Sidewalk vaults restrict excavation depth

  • Existing staircases are grandfathered but new work requires ASME 18.1 compliance

  • Landmarks approval is required and visible lift structures are discouraged

  • The footprint is too small for a traditional lift enclosure

  • Access must be added without altering the surrounding architecture

Seattle vs Westminster: Mechanical Differences That Matter

Westminster (Horizontal Retracting Stair Lift)

The Westminster lift retracts sideways beneath the landing or into a pit. This requires a clear horizontal envelope free from beams, structural supports or vault obstructions. In the referenced Manhattan project, a structural beam prevented this retraction path, making Westminster unworkable.

Key mechanical attributes:

  • Requires horizontal retraction space

  • Needs a pit or void unobstructed by structural beams or sidewalk vault structures

  • Typical overall system width requirement is approximately 49 inches (1240 mm) between columns or sidewalls

  • Usable platform width is smaller due to side mechanisms

  • Well suited for wider entrances or sites with ample lateral space

Seattle (Vertical Retracting Stair Lift)

The Seattle lift retracts vertically, allowing it to fit in locations where lateral retraction is impossible. This is advantageous in NYC buildings where foundation lines, beams, or vaults make horizontal cavity creation impractical.

Key mechanical attributes:

  • Requires vertical clearance rather than sideways voids

  • More tolerant of sites with limited pit depth

  • Meets ASME 18.1 barrier height requirements when configured with rising barriers and side grab rails

  • A strong fit for narrow entrances or deeply constrained streetscapes

Why This Difference Determines Feasibility

In the NYC feasibility meeting, the Westminster’s sideways retraction was blocked by the building’s structural beam, while the Seattle’s vertical movement avoided that interference entirely. This difference alone determined which lift could be engineered for the site.

Hybrid Technical Specifications: What Architects Need to Know

Westminster, Typical Technical Thresholds

  • Minimum overall system width: approximately 49 inches (1240 mm)

  • Requires horizontal retraction length: typically 1200–1400 mm clear of beams or vaults

  • Needs a stable pit or under-stair cavity

  • Best when the entrance area is wide but shallow

  • Recommended when the structure allows sideways movement without breaching foundation lines

Seattle, Typical Technical Thresholds

  • Works well when horizontal retraction space is less than 49 inches or obstructed

  • Requires sufficient vertical clearance for stair lifting mechanism

  • Suitable for tight Manhattan or Brooklyn entrances with overhead recess capacity

  • Best when sidewalk vaults or beams prevent excavation or sideways pit construction

  • Meets barrier height requirements (1100 mm per ASME 18.1)

“When to Choose Which Lift”

Choose Seattle when:

  • Horizontal space is under 49 inches

  • A structural beam blocks sideways retraction

  • A sidewalk vault prevents pit excavation

  • Working within NYC Landmarks restrictions where minimal structural disturbance is preferred

Choose Westminster when:

  • At least 49 inches of overall width is available

  • Horizontal retraction can move into a clear void

  • The pit depth is sufficient and unobstructed

  • The client wants a very low-profile aesthetic with no vertical retraction enclosure

Navigating NYC, ASME 18.1 and Landmarks Requirements

New York City presents unique regulatory layers:

  • ASME 18.1 defines lift safety requirements, including barrier positions, rise heights and clearances

  • MOPD approval may be required for accessible routes in Manhattan heritage buildings

  • Landmarks Preservation Commission influences what modifications can be made to façades or exterior staircases

  • Grandfathered stairs often remain legal until renovations require modern compliance

Retracting stair lifts often achieve a balance between historic preservation and modern accessibility, especially when external platform lifts are visually intrusive or physically impossible.

Integrating Sesame Systems Into NYC & USA Projects

Both lift types can be engineered to meet US accessibility goals.
View product details:

For heritage applications, you may also consider complementary options such as the Wellington Lift (vertical retracting mechanism) or the Windsor Lift (hidden rising platform):

To explore how retracting stair lifts support landmark approvals, see our related article:
Hidden Platform Lifts – New York Landmark Buildings → https://www.sesameaccess.com/knowledge-hub/hidden-platform-lifts-new-york-landmark-buildings

For a neutral external authority on accessibility codes, here is a link to the US standards ASME 18.1

Frequently Asked Questions

Are retracting stair lifts legal in NYC?
Yes, when designed to meet ASME 18.1 and approved by relevant NYC agencies such as MOPD, they can be part of a compliant accessible route.

Can they be used in Manhattan or Brooklyn landmark buildings?
Yes. Retracting lifts are often preferred because they preserve the façade and respect landmark aesthetics.

What if the existing stairs are grandfathered?
Grandfathered stairs stay legal, but any renovation or change of use requires accessible compliance, often enabling the use of retracting lifts.

What if a beam, vault or structural element blocks the retraction path?
If horizontal retraction is blocked, Seattle’s vertical retracting movement solves this problem.

How do I know which lift my project needs?
A Sesame Access feasibility review will compare structural, spatial and regulatory constraints to recommend the correct model.

Call to Action

To determine whether the Seattle or Westminster lift is right for your Manhattan, Brooklyn or wider USA project, book a Teams meeting with one of our Project Managers:
https://www.sesameaccess.com/book-a-meeting