Well, nothing is easy about starting a new business in an old historical house.  I finally got an estimate from a local construction company this week -- $10,400.  Wow!!  That's not going to happen.

The issue now is whether I must absolutely have an ADA compliant entrance.  From looking at information the Department of Justice has for small businesses, you may not have to make changes to old buildings.  The statement is, "In some instances, especially in older buildings, it may not be readily achievable to remove some architectural barreirs.  For example, a restaurant with several steps leading to its entrance may determine that it cannot afford to install a ramp or a lift.  In this situation, the restaurant must provide its services in another way if that is readily achievable, such as providing takeout service."  We are looking into whether having a website for the business would not achieve this standard.

It is certainly NOT that I don't want disabled people to visit my business, but it may be too expensive, and something that will never be approved by the Historic Landmarks Society.  My attorney is looking into this by asking questions of the city's area planning group.