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.

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

Making the new bathroom shower handicapped accessible.