Elevator World

In Memoriam: Antonio García De Alvear by Elevator World

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com TOAPANTA TAPPED TO LEAD URBAN ELEVATOR’S L.A. OPERATION Urban Elevator Service Co. President Edward Pleban recently announced that Eddy Toapanta has been hired as vice president/principal in charge of sales for the Los Angeles office. Toapanta has more than 10 years' experience in the elevator industry, including as a branch manager for TK Elevator, based in Burbank, California; a branch and regional sales manager for Amtech Elevator Services, an Otis affiliate serving Southern California; and project manager for the Wilshire Grand for Otis. From Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Toapanta holds a BS in business administration and management and an MBA with a double emphasis in finance and marketing. Image credit: To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more; and Relayr who wants you to say hello to Franz!. Visit www.hellofranz.com to learn more. TK ELEVATOR’S NEW NORTH AMERICAN HEADQUARTERS News about TK Elevator’s new North American headquarters, the cornerstone of which is an Innovation and Qualification Center, or IQC, that includes the tallest elevator test tower in North America at 420 feet tall. An ELEVATOR WORLD representative was among more than 200 guests who attended the inauguration of the new headquarters at the Battery in Atlanta on Wednesday, February 9. The event was hosted by dignitaries including TK Elevator North America President and CEO Kevin Lavallee, who said, quote, At our new headquarters and one-of-a-kind IQC we will develop new technologies that serve as the foundation of our innovative product portfolio. This will allow us to meet and even exceed evolving customer and market requirements, end quote. Lavallee said the new headquarters and IQC would not have been possible without the hard work of countless TK Elevator employees and partners, and thanked everyone for their contributions. To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more ARCLINE CREATES STANDARD ELEVATOR THROUGH ACQUISITIONS Standard Elevator, a new company created by growth-oriented private-equity firm Arcline Investment Management, will offer the vertical-transportation (VT) industry a leading choice of elevator components and solutions platforms, Arcline announced in January. Standard was set up through the acquisition of five critical suppliers: Standard Elevator Systems (SES) of Memphis, Tennessee; EMI Porta (EMI) of Arlington Heights, Illinois; ZZIPCO of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; Texacone of Mesquite, Texas; and Elevator Equipment Co. (EECO) of Los Angeles. These firms have been serving the largest elevator servicers and installers in the U.S. and Canada. The combination of the five companies lays the foundation for Standard to become a VT-integrated, one-stop shop for elevator parts, components and software, Arcline said. Jimmy He, founder of SES, will remain a significant minority shareholder in the combined business. Arcline is a growth-oriented private-equity firm with US$4.4 billion in capital commitments. Image credit: Courtesy of Hamilton Public Library To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more TKE WINS U.K. PROJECT FOR CLOSE TO 300 UNITS German-based TK Elevator (TKE) has been selected to build and install nearly 300 lifts and escalators for the four major HS2 stations, Construction Enquirer is among outlets to report. TKE has signed a framework agreement, expected to be worth between GBP207 million (US$283 million) and GBP316 million (US$431 million) depending on the number of lifts and escalators needed. This flexible approach will allow HS2 to vary the number of lifts and escalators in line with station requirements as the designs are finalized. The source reports Birmingham Curzon Street, Interchange, Old Oak Common and the new HS2 platforms at London Euston will need more than 160 lifts and 130 escalators. The framework also includes maintenance for up to 20 years. The longest escalators will be at Old Oak Common in west London, which will take passengers 13.5 m up from the subsurface platforms to concourse level. The new station — where HS2 meets Crossrail services to Heathrow and the West End of London — will boast more than 50 lifts and escalators. Image credit: Courtesy of Hamilton Public Library To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more IN MEMORIAM: DON RUSSELL FELL Although his company's products could be found globally and beyond — even in space in the form of FELLFAB® protective coverings for a Canadian-built robotic arm serving the International Space Station — company founder Don Fell "would always ask how our elevator pad sales were going," FELLFAB's Mark Maddalena told Canadian Elevator Contractor Association Executive Director Catharine Bothwell. Fell passed away on January 7 in Hamilton, Canada, at age 86. "As founder he was involved in so many products, from tarps, aircraft and rail seating, military packs and space equipment covers," Maddalena said. But, "the elevator market was one that was close to him." Fell founded the company in Hamilton when he was only 15, initially specializing in tarpaulin repair but growing it into an international concern. He earned a reputation for both working and playing hard, and being a dedicated and productive fund raiser for numerous charities. Fell's survivors include children Pam, Glen and Linda; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. "He was so looking forward to the 70th anniversary of FELLFAB next month, and his family will proudly carry on his legacy," his obituary stated. Donations in Fell's memory to a charitable organization or to the St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Foundation are appreciated. Image credit: Courtesy of Hamilton Public Library To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com KONE TO PROVIDE 22 UNITS FOR SIGNIA BY HILTON ATLANTA KONE has won an order to provide 16 elevators and six escalators to the Signia by Hilton Hotel Atlanta, connected to the Georgia World Congress Center and overlooking the Mercedes-Benz Stadium sports and entertainment complex, the OEM announced on January 5. In addition to 15 passenger, one service elevator and six escalators, KONE solutions include Destination to improve efficiency and the E-LinkTM remote-monitoring system. Owned by the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and managed by Hilton Management Services, the 37-story tower will feature 975 hotel rooms, 75,000 ft2 of meeting space, a bar, a restaurant and wellness facilities. Boston-based Drew Co. is the developer, Gensler is the architect and a joint venture between Skanska and SG Contracting is the general contractor. Completion is anticipated in late 2023. Image credit: Courtesy of Hilton To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com OTIS GEN360 PLATFORM FOR THREE MAJOR PROJECTS IN FRANCE Otis recently announced that its Gen360 platform, currently available in Europe, will equip three elevator systems it is providing at major architectural sites in France: The Aquatics Center in Saint-Denis, The Athletes' Village in Saint-Open-sur-Seine and the new campus of the EM Lyon Business School in Lyon. At The Aquatics Center, designed by VenhoevenCS and Ateliers 2/3/4/ for the sports competitions planned in Paris in 2024, Otis will install five elevators, including the Gen360 platform, to provide access to the top floor of the building. Otis observed the architects favored Gen360's design because it allows maintenance to be performed from within the car and negates the need for any roof protrusion that would interfere with the structure's architectural lines. The center will be built by a consortium led by Bouygues Batiment Il-de-France. It will be converted for future mixed-use purposes after the sports events. Located in the Paris area, The Athletes’ Village will also be built for the sports competitions. It is designed to accommodate more than 14,000 athletes and staff. Otis was chosen by Riffage Construction to equip all the apartment buildings in the Village sector E, which represents a total of 38 Gen360 units. For this project, sustainability was a significant factor. Six of the 10 units Otis is providing at the new campus of the EM Lyon Business School, slated to open in 2024, will be Gen360. The client chose Gen360 for its design flexibility that allows for low overhead, no roof protrusion and enhanced connectivity. Located in the center of Lyon in the Gerland neighborhood, the 30,000-m2 campus project is being led by PCA-Stream and the Altarea Group through its Cogedim brand. Image credit: courtesy © Otis/Arnaud Ferrier To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com KONE REPORT TELLS STORY OF PEOPLE FLOW DURING COVID-19 KONE has analyzed data from its global elevator portfolio to tell the story of the flow of people in cities around the world over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a press release. The data collected covers the period from before the first lockdowns confined most populations to their homes to the present day, and provides an original data set for illustrating the return of people to workplaces, educational institutions, hotels and within residential buildings. The report includes the following highlights: - In the top 10 European cities, the average number of elevator journeys plummeted 80% between February and April 2020. The return to office buildings in Paris, Munich, Helsinki, Berlin, Milan and Hamburg has remained at 60% of pre-pandemic levels since the start of this year, but data show that the return to the office slowed in November with the discovery of a new coronavirus variant in the second half of the month. - Data for hotel elevators tells the dramatic story of the pandemic. From a monthly peak of over 22,000 starts per hotel elevator in September 2019, this number plummeted almost 90% to around 2,500 starts per hotel elevator by April 2020. Although the monthly number of average journeys in European cities recovered in October 2021, the numbers fell again in November. - The global picture shows national differences when it comes to the return to the office. Since January 2021, a more nuanced picture has emerged from KONE's elevator data for office buildings, which reflects different COVID-19 strategies in individual countries. Image credit: courtesy of Financial Times Commercial Department. To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Relayr who wants you to say hello to Franz!. Visit www.hellofranz.com to learn more HYBRID IZMIR ELEVATOR SYMPOSIUM WAS HELD The 10th Elevator Symposium, organized by the Izmir branches on behalf of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) Chamber of Mechanical Engineers and TMMOB Chamber of Electrical Engineers, was held at İzmir MMO Tepekule Congress and Exhibition Center in Turkey on November 18-20. The three-day event, which was also live-streamed by Zoom and YouTube, hosted seven sessions and two panels. The event, where the papers and presentations were live-streamed and the opening session and panels were held in-person, has been supported by many institutions and companies. At the opening ceremony, MMO Chairman Melih Yalçın, EMO Izmir Branch Chairman Şebnem Seçkin Uğurlu, Aegean Elevator and Escalator Industrialists Association (EAYSAD) President Mert Öğüşlü, Turkey Elevator Industrialists Federation (TASFED) Deputy Chairman Cem Bozdağ, MMO President Yunus Yener and EMO President Bülent Pala made speeches. You may find and watch all of the presentations of the symposium at MMO’s web site. Image credit: courtesy of PROTOPLAN To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is sponsored by Relayr who wants you to say hello to Franz!. Visit www.hellofranz.com to learn more 51-STORY HOTEL WITH SCHINDLER VT SYSTEM TOPS OUT IN HUDSON YARDS Construction has topped out at 450 Eleventh Avenue in NYC’s Hudson Yards, which will be home to a 51-story, 379-room Aloft Hotel served by a Schindler vertical-transportation system, New York YIMBY reported in November. Distinguished by shimmery glass panels that give it an asymmetrical geometry, the structure was designed by DSM Design Group and developed by Marx Development Group. It will also boast a business center, a ballroom, a fourth-floor restaurant and a bar with an outdoor terrace. Directly across from the Jacob K. Javits Center, the US$368-million development is slated for completion in 2023. Image credit: Courtesy of DSM Design Group To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more AMTRAK TO INVEST $16 MILLION INTO JOHNSTOWN STATION Amtrak plans to invest US$16 million into improving its Johnstown Station in Pennsylvania as part of the Johnstown-to-Arts Corridor Project, Progressive Railroading reported on November 23. Improvements include replacing the current platform, headhouse, elevator and stairway with a new 8-in. above-top-of-rail island platform and a new headhouse with heat and air conditioning, as well as a new elevator, stairway, waiting area and storage area. The improvements fall under the Federal Transit Administration’s State of Good Repair Funding program, with many concerning Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. "Making our stations accessible to all customers is a critical priority and we are actively performing construction, renovation, repair and upgrades of properties both here in Johnstown and throughout the United States," said Amtrak Assistant Vice President of Stations and Facilities George Holz. "Improvements to the Johnstown Station platforms, tunnels and track will ensure accessible, inclusive and safe experiences for everyone as they travel with us." Construction is set to begin October 2022. Image credit: by Mitchazenia for Wikipedia To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR WINNERS ELEVATOR WORLD is pleased to report the winners of the 2022 Project of the Year contest. Winning projects, which will be featured in our January 2022 issue, are (with category): Ascent in NYC submitted by Liberty Elevator (Elevators, New Construction); Scotia Plaza in Toronto submitted by Schindler Elevator Canada (Elevators, Modernization); Taichung MRT in Taichung, Taiwan, submitted by Otis (Escalators, New Construction); New York Marriott Marquis in NYC submitted by KONE (Escalators, Modernization); Beijing Winter Olympics Jumping Center in Zhangjiakou, China, submitted by Suzhou Rhine Lift Manufacture (Inclined Lifts); Taiyuan Botanical Garden in Taiyuan, China, submitted by TK Elevator Asia-Pacific (Moving Walks); NYC Housing Authority Refuse Lifts in NYC submitted by Gillespie Corp. (Platform Lifts and Stairway Chairlifts); Emirates Hills Private Residence Elevator in Emirates Hills, U.A.E. submitted by Toshiba Elevator Middle East (Private-Residence Elevators); and Residential Car Elevator submitted by Quest Elevator Co. of Mississauga, Canada (Special-Purpose Elevators). To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more IEES IN AMSTERDAM: NEW DATES ARE JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 1 Due to the Dutch government's November announcement of a series of three-week lockdowns as coronavirus cases increased across the country, the International Elevator & Escalator Symposium (IEES), previously scheduled on December 6-7, 2021, at Hotel Okura in Amsterdam, has been rescheduled to January 31-February 1, 2022. Hotel Okura remains the host venue, and rooms that were secured will remain so. Attendee ticket holders do not need to make any changes to participate, and those who already booked rooms at Hotel Okura may have their reservations changed free-of-charge by IEES organizers or hotel staff. Exhibitor booths will be ready on the relevant date. For more information, email symposium organizers. To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast is presented by Matot Dumbwaiters and Material Lifts. Visit www.Matot.com to learn more HISTORIC WINNIPEG ELEVATOR MODERNIZATION BY TKE CANADA TK Elevator (TKE) Canada announces it is nearly complete with the largest elevator modernization in the history of Winnipeg, Canada, as it upgrades 12 units at 201 Portage, the city's tallest office building at 420 ft. Built in 1990, the 33-story tower includes 510,000 ft of office, retail and meeting space. TKE Canada is modernizing five high-rise, five low-rise, one service and one shuttle elevator to the concourse, which was added in 2017 and houses a food market and conference center. The project includes installation of TKE's TAC32T microprocessor controller with diagnostic capabilities; permanent magnet AC motors that run only when the elevator is in use; universal door operators for fast, smooth, quiet operation; sustainable regenerative drives to harness unused energy; LED cab lighting with optional motion sensors to turn off lifts and fans when the elevator is not in use; a dual brake system that prevents unintended motion; cab door interlocks; and door reversal electronic safety edges. TKE Canada also took over service of all of 201 Portage's 18 vertical-transportation units as it expands its service base in Winnipeg. Image credit: courtesy of TK Elevator To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK-BASED ISLAND ELEVATOR NAMES NEW GM Island Elevator, a company that describes itself as "one of the largest and most experienced elevator companies on Long Island," New York, has named Robert Pic general manager (GM). Pic has more than 30 years' industry experience, starting as an elevator apprentice and working his way up to leader of service teams at some of the top NYC elevator companies. Prior to joining Island, Pic was a technical support professional at BP Elevator Co. of Bronx, New York, before which he was district service manager at Centennial Elevator Industries Inc. in Queens for 13 years. In the GM role at Island, Pic is tasked with helping further the company's missions of maintaining a zero missed-work day safety record; creating a people-centered, team culture; and delivering a best-in-class customer experience. To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com EW ANNOUNCES PRODUCT OF THE YEAR WINNER, FINALISTS ELEVATOR WORLD has announced the winner and two finalists of its inaugural Product of the Year awards program. The winner is MosaicONE Video & Messaging System by MAD Elevator, and the finalists are Franz by relayr and Gen360 by Otis. During the one-week voting period there were more than 1,200 votes, with the winner determined by 50% online voting and 50% by a panel of judges. Fifteen products introduced to the vertical-transportation industry between January 2020 and June 2021 were submitted. To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com 126 TKE UNITS SERVE GALATAPORT ISTANBUL CRUISE TERMINAL TK Elevator (TKE) delivered 89 elevators and 37 escalators to Galataport Istanbul, a cruise port terminal that incorporates restaurants, shops and office space on the European shore of the Bosporus Strait. To meet the requirements of the waterfront location, machine-room-less and hydraulic elevators with flexible and customized dimensions, including reduced shaft head and reduced pit conditions, were provided. The elevators also feature energy-efficient motor drives, and cabins are able to incorporate camera systems and access points for uninterrupted internet service. TKE also implemented a monitoring system that operates in sync with the building’s automation system to check availability of all units at a glance, enabling qualified personnel to instantly respond to unexpected downtimes 365 days a year. One of the most important infrastructure projects in Turkey, Galataport Istanbul is expected to welcome approximately 125 million annual visitors. Image credit: courtesy of TK Elevator To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com DC TOWER III WITH KONE ELEVATORS TOPS OUT IN VIENNA DC Tower III, a serviced apartment complex with a KONE elevators system, topped out at 359 ft in Vienna, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reported on November 2. A celebration ceremony was held in early October. The structure holds 832 student and serviced apartments, and elements of the façade create a window alcove overlooking the Danube River and city in each apartment. Amenities include a fitness studio, an in-house cinema and a rooftop bar. Sensors were installed to detect any shifts in the ground due to the building’s proximity to the underground rail line. Although structurally topped out, the project will not be passed on to its owners until 2022. Image credit: courtesy of Dietrich Untertrifaller To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com BROOKLYN NYC SUPERTALL WITH TKE VT TOPS OUT SHoP Architects and JDS Development Group's The Brooklyn Tower at 9 DeKalb Avenue has reached its final height, ArchDaily reports. The monumental tower stands at 1,066 ft, becoming the first supertall skyscraper in NYC’s outer boroughs. The Brooklyn Tower represents a large-scale adaptive reuse project, revitalizing NYC’s historic Dime Savings Bank of Brooklyn. The tower’s striking design and geometry draw inspiration from the hexagonal composition of the existing bank, which was designed by architects Halsey, McCormack & Helmer in 1932, and labeled as a "New York City Landmark" in 1994. The 115-year-old structure is now being carefully restored and seamlessly integrated with the new structure, allowing residents to enter the main lobby through the ionic colonnade. With a vertical transportation-system (VT) by TK Elevator (TKE), the 73-story project features 550 residences, almost 100,000 ft2 of retail at its lower floors, and over 100,000 ft2 of health and fitness amenities, which include a pool, lounge and barbecue on the roof deck. The tower is expected to launch residence sales in early 2022, and open for occupancy late 2022. Image credit: by Michael Young for New York YIMBY To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes │ Google Play | SoundCloud │ Stitcher │ TuneIn