Elevator World

SAVARIA TO ACQUIRE GARAVENTA

Savaria Corp. has agreed to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of Garaventa Lift for a total purchase price of approximately CHF74 million (US$74.27 million), subject to customary closing adjustments prior to the expected closing of the deal in October. It gives Savaria a wider footprint in North America via a 120,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility (built in 2017) in Surrey, Canada, and eight additional sales offices. Further sales offices will be acquired in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland, as will a 33,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Milan, Italy. In China, Savaria will gain a sales office and light assembly capabilities in Shanghai. Established in 1978, Garaventa manufactures a wide range of wheelchair lifts, including inclined and vertical platform lifts and portable wheelchair lifts; and a full suite of residential elevators and commercial limited-use, limited-application (LU/LA) elevators.

 

BHARAT BIJLEE OPENS INDIAN PM MACHINE FACTORY

Bharat Bijlee’s new plant for permanent-magnet (PM) elevator machines at its Airoli, India, campus commenced operations in May. The 950-m2 plant is a green building, for which certification from the Indian Green Building Council is expected soon. The plant has clean-area facilities, line-, type- and reliability-testing capability, and is designed to optimize material flow and handling. The current production capacity of 700 PM machines for elevators per month is scalable for further expansion by the modular design and layout. The company said the plant furthers its strategy for continued domestic and export growth in its GreenStar range of elevator machines and caters to new applications of PM machines going forward.

 

THYSSENKRUPP LAUNCHES AIRPORT SOLUTIONS ONLINE HUB

thyssenkrupp has launched its Airport Solutions online hub following a string of significant airport contracts, including 423 elevators in Dubai and 73 moving walks in Madrid. The website provides photographs of thyssenkrupp’s most significant airport projects and showcases its equipment and services for airports, ranging from passenger boarding bridges and elevators to maintenance and modernization packages. It also shares fun facts, such as that thyssenkrupp boarding bridges move approximately 1.8 billion passengers annually. The company recently won its largest-ever boarding-bridge contract to provide 143 units to Istanbul’s new mega airport.

 

LONDON TUBE STATION PLAN HAS HEAVY SUPPORT

A Transport for London (TfL) plan to increase capacity at the Holborn tube station — partially through the installation of eight new escalators and three new elevators — has received overwhelming public support, Railway Technology reports. TfL held a public comment period from September 18 to November 17, 2017, with 96% supporting the specific plan for the Holborn facility. All told, 98% of respondents agreed that the station needed an upgrade. About 56 million passengers use Holborn every year, making it one of London’s busiest underground stations. To accommodate the heavy use, TfL is planning a second entrance and exit, in addition to the new vertical-transportation equipment.

 

54-STORY APARTMENT TOWER WILL BE TALLEST IN ARGENTINA

Alvear Tower, a 54-story, 235-m-tall apartment building on Boulevard Azucena Villaflor in Buenos Aires, is set to become the tallest building in Argentina and among the tallest in South America upon completion by the end of this year, Apertura reports. Designed by PfZ Arquitectos and built by Criba, the structure will have 180 units and amenities that include a rooftop bar and restaurant, a semi-Olympic outdoor pool, tennis courts, private cellars and a spa. More than 80% of the units have been sold, with some residents set to move in by the end of 2018 and a grand opening planned in March 2019.

Image: thyssenkrupp:

https://www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com/airport-solutions/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play

SAVARIA TO ACQUIRE GARAVENTA

Savaria Corp. has agreed to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of Garaventa Lift for a total purchase price of approximately CHF74 million (US$74.27 million), subject to customary closing adjustments prior to the expected closing of the deal in October. It gives Savaria a wider footprint in North America via a 120,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility (built in 2017) in Surrey, Canada, and eight additional sales offices. Further sales offices will be acquired in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland, as will a 33,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Milan, Italy. In China, Savaria will gain a sales office and light assembly capabilities in Shanghai. Established in 1978, Garaventa manufactures a wide range of wheelchair lifts, including inclined and vertical platform lifts and portable wheelchair lifts; and a full suite of residential elevators and commercial limited-use, limited-application (LU/LA) elevators.

 

BHARAT BIJLEE OPENS INDIAN PM MACHINE FACTORY

Bharat Bijlee’s new plant for permanent-magnet (PM) elevator machines at its Airoli, India, campus commenced operations in May. The 950-m2 plant is a green building, for which certification from the Indian Green Building Council is expected soon. The plant has clean-area facilities, line-, type- and reliability-testing capability, and is designed to optimize material flow and handling. The current production capacity of 700 PM machines for elevators per month is scalable for further expansion by the modular design and layout. The company said the plant furthers its strategy for continued domestic and export growth in its GreenStar range of elevator machines and caters to new applications of PM machines going forward.

 

THYSSENKRUPP LAUNCHES AIRPORT SOLUTIONS ONLINE HUB

thyssenkrupp has launched its Airport Solutions online hub following a string of significant airport contracts, including 423 elevators in Dubai and 73 moving walks in Madrid. The website provides photographs of thyssenkrupp’s most significant airport projects and showcases its equipment and services for airports, ranging from passenger boarding bridges and elevators to maintenance and modernization packages. It also shares fun facts, such as that thyssenkrupp boarding bridges move approximately 1.8 billion passengers annually. The company recently won its largest-ever boarding-bridge contract to provide 143 units to Istanbul’s new mega airport.

 

LONDON TUBE STATION PLAN HAS HEAVY SUPPORT

A Transport for London (TfL) plan to increase capacity at the Holborn tube station — partially through the installation of eight new escalators and three new elevators — has received overwhelming public support, Railway Technology reports. TfL held a public comment period from September 18 to November 17, 2017, with 96% supporting the specific plan for the Holborn facility. All told, 98% of respondents agreed that the station needed an upgrade. About 56 million passengers use Holborn every year, making it one of London’s busiest underground stations. To accommodate the heavy use, TfL is planning a second entrance and exit, in addition to the new vertical-transportation equipment.

 

54-STORY APARTMENT TOWER WILL BE TALLEST IN ARGENTINA

Alvear Tower, a 54-story, 235-m-tall apartment building on Boulevard Azucena Villaflor in Buenos Aires, is set to become the tallest building in Argentina and among the tallest in South America upon completion by the end of this year, Apertura reports. Designed by PfZ Arquitectos and built by Criba, the structure will have 180 units and amenities that include a rooftop bar and restaurant, a semi-Olympic outdoor pool, tennis courts, private cellars and a spa. More than 80% of the units have been sold, with some residents set to move in by the end of 2018 and a grand opening planned in March 2019.

Image: thyssenkrupp:

https://www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com/airport-solutions/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play

SAVARIA TO ACQUIRE GARAVENTA

Savaria Corp. has agreed to acquire the issued and outstanding shares of Garaventa Lift for a total purchase price of approximately CHF74 million (US$74.27 million), subject to customary closing adjustments prior to the expected closing of the deal in October. It gives Savaria a wider footprint in North America via a 120,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility (built in 2017) in Surrey, Canada, and eight additional sales offices. Further sales offices will be acquired in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland, as will a 33,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility in Milan, Italy. In China, Savaria will gain a sales office and light assembly capabilities in Shanghai. Established in 1978, Garaventa manufactures a wide range of wheelchair lifts, including inclined and vertical platform lifts and portable wheelchair lifts; and a full suite of residential elevators and commercial limited-use, limited-application (LU/LA) elevators.

 

BHARAT BIJLEE OPENS INDIAN PM MACHINE FACTORY

Bharat Bijlee’s new plant for permanent-magnet (PM) elevator machines at its Airoli, India, campus commenced operations in May. The 950-m2 plant is a green building, for which certification from the Indian Green Building Council is expected soon. The plant has clean-area facilities, line-, type- and reliability-testing capability, and is designed to optimize material flow and handling. The current production capacity of 700 PM machines for elevators per month is scalable for further expansion by the modular design and layout. The company said the plant furthers its strategy for continued domestic and export growth in its GreenStar range of elevator machines and caters to new applications of PM machines going forward.

 

THYSSENKRUPP LAUNCHES AIRPORT SOLUTIONS ONLINE HUB

thyssenkrupp has launched its Airport Solutions online hub following a string of significant airport contracts, including 423 elevators in Dubai and 73 moving walks in Madrid. The website provides photographs of thyssenkrupp’s most significant airport projects and showcases its equipment and services for airports, ranging from passenger boarding bridges and elevators to maintenance and modernization packages. It also shares fun facts, such as that thyssenkrupp boarding bridges move approximately 1.8 billion passengers annually. The company recently won its largest-ever boarding-bridge contract to provide 143 units to Istanbul’s new mega airport.

 

LONDON TUBE STATION PLAN HAS HEAVY SUPPORT

A Transport for London (TfL) plan to increase capacity at the Holborn tube station — partially through the installation of eight new escalators and three new elevators — has received overwhelming public support, Railway Technology reports. TfL held a public comment period from September 18 to November 17, 2017, with 96% supporting the specific plan for the Holborn facility. All told, 98% of respondents agreed that the station needed an upgrade. About 56 million passengers use Holborn every year, making it one of London’s busiest underground stations. To accommodate the heavy use, TfL is planning a second entrance and exit, in addition to the new vertical-transportation equipment.

 

54-STORY APARTMENT TOWER WILL BE TALLEST IN ARGENTINA

Alvear Tower, a 54-story, 235-m-tall apartment building on Boulevard Azucena Villaflor in Buenos Aires, is set to become the tallest building in Argentina and among the tallest in South America upon completion by the end of this year, Apertura reports. Designed by PfZ Arquitectos and built by Criba, the structure will have 180 units and amenities that include a rooftop bar and restaurant, a semi-Olympic outdoor pool, tennis courts, private cellars and a spa. More than 80% of the units have been sold, with some residents set to move in by the end of 2018 and a grand opening planned in March 2019.

Image: thyssenkrupp:

https://www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com/airport-solutions/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play

KONE WINS 107-UNIT ORDER FOR NEW EASTERN CHINA METRO LINE

KONE has won an order for the new Ningbo Metro Line 4 in eastern China. Travelers along the mostly underground, 36-km route will benefit from heavy-duty equipment designed specifically for metro projects in China. The order includes 79 TransitMasterTM escalators, and 25 MonoSpace® machine-room-less and three MiniSpace® elevators. The equipment has an hourly capacity of 7,000 people, and has numerous special features such as a high fire-protection rating for the handrails. Designed by Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd. and developed by Ningbo Rail Transit Group Co., the metro line is expected to start trial operation in December 2020.

E2 FORUM FRANKFURT COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER

E2 Forum Frankfurt: Innovation Forum for Elevator and Escalator Technology is taking place on September 18-19 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. Messe Frankfurt, organizer for the inaugural event, intends to provide the industry with a technology and content platform for dialogue with planners and operators of modern building-transportation systems. The conference is to take place every two years and has secured OEMs and other worldwide elevator manufacturers for its exhibition.

HIGH-RISE TOWER SET FOR DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

The last piece of undeveloped real estate in the Dallas Arts District will soon be home to Atelier, a 41-story residential building, Skyrise Cities reports. Atelier, which means “artist workshop,” will have 364 luxury residences and 52 mixed-income artists’ lofts, including 43 affordable artist residences. It will have about 15,000 sq. ft. for retail outlets, plus gallery space and 553 parking slots. An amenities deck on the 11th floor will have a pool, lounge, fitness center, co-working space and a dog salon. The building will join neighborhood cultural amenities such as the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Meyerson Symphony Center. The developer is ZOM Living, and the design is by Stantec.

VIEEW ANNUAL MEETING TAKING PLACE DURING NAEC

The Vertical Initiative for Elevator Escalator Women (VIEEW) Annual Meeting will be held at the Sheraton & Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This is the same location and on the first day of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Convention. For more information, contact VIEEW President Martha Hulgan.

RETIREE RESIDENTIAL TOWER PLANNED FOR MONTREAL SUBURB

TVA Nouvelles reports that Réseau Sélection is planning a 30-story residential tower for retired or semi-retired people in the Montreal suburb of Repentigny, Canada. The high-rise building, named Sélection Repentigny Signature, will sit on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and will include 289 units, with 30 dedicated to care. Amenities include a swimming pool, gym, lounge, dining room, cinema and virtual golf course, as well as terraces on the fourth and sixth floors. The approximately CAD80-million (US$61-million) project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

WOODS BAGOT-DESIGNED RESIDENTIAL TOWER TOPS OUT IN LIC

A 23-story residential tower at 24-16 Queens Plaza South in Long Island City (LIC), New York, has topped out at 300 ft. ahead of an anticipated 2019 completion, New York YIMBY reports, citing information from The Court Square blog. Designed by Woods Bagot Architects, the tower is an expansion of a 1925 building that serves as a podium. The new structure will house 117 units within more than 100,000 sq. ft. and an array of amenities, such as a rooftop deck, fitness center and pool. The source notes Woods Bagot created a “respectful transition from the pre-war, masonry façade to a modern, undulating glass exterior. . . with horizontal bands accented with curves that peel away from the façade to form outdoor balconies.”

Image: KONE

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

KONE WINS 107-UNIT ORDER FOR NEW EASTERN CHINA METRO LINE

KONE has won an order for the new Ningbo Metro Line 4 in eastern China. Travelers along the mostly underground, 36-km route will benefit from heavy-duty equipment designed specifically for metro projects in China. The order includes 79 TransitMasterTM escalators, and 25 MonoSpace® machine-room-less and three MiniSpace® elevators. The equipment has an hourly capacity of 7,000 people, and has numerous special features such as a high fire-protection rating for the handrails. Designed by Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd. and developed by Ningbo Rail Transit Group Co., the metro line is expected to start trial operation in December 2020.

E2 FORUM FRANKFURT COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER

E2 Forum Frankfurt: Innovation Forum for Elevator and Escalator Technology is taking place on September 18-19 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. Messe Frankfurt, organizer for the inaugural event, intends to provide the industry with a technology and content platform for dialogue with planners and operators of modern building-transportation systems. The conference is to take place every two years and has secured OEMs and other worldwide elevator manufacturers for its exhibition.

HIGH-RISE TOWER SET FOR DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

The last piece of undeveloped real estate in the Dallas Arts District will soon be home to Atelier, a 41-story residential building, Skyrise Cities reports. Atelier, which means “artist workshop,” will have 364 luxury residences and 52 mixed-income artists’ lofts, including 43 affordable artist residences. It will have about 15,000 sq. ft. for retail outlets, plus gallery space and 553 parking slots. An amenities deck on the 11th floor will have a pool, lounge, fitness center, co-working space and a dog salon. The building will join neighborhood cultural amenities such as the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Meyerson Symphony Center. The developer is ZOM Living, and the design is by Stantec.

VIEEW ANNUAL MEETING TAKING PLACE DURING NAEC

The Vertical Initiative for Elevator Escalator Women (VIEEW) Annual Meeting will be held at the Sheraton & Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This is the same location and on the first day of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Convention. For more information, contact VIEEW President Martha Hulgan.

RETIREE RESIDENTIAL TOWER PLANNED FOR MONTREAL SUBURB

TVA Nouvelles reports that Réseau Sélection is planning a 30-story residential tower for retired or semi-retired people in the Montreal suburb of Repentigny, Canada. The high-rise building, named Sélection Repentigny Signature, will sit on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and will include 289 units, with 30 dedicated to care. Amenities include a swimming pool, gym, lounge, dining room, cinema and virtual golf course, as well as terraces on the fourth and sixth floors. The approximately CAD80-million (US$61-million) project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

WOODS BAGOT-DESIGNED RESIDENTIAL TOWER TOPS OUT IN LIC

A 23-story residential tower at 24-16 Queens Plaza South in Long Island City (LIC), New York, has topped out at 300 ft. ahead of an anticipated 2019 completion, New York YIMBY reports, citing information from The Court Square blog. Designed by Woods Bagot Architects, the tower is an expansion of a 1925 building that serves as a podium. The new structure will house 117 units within more than 100,000 sq. ft. and an array of amenities, such as a rooftop deck, fitness center and pool. The source notes Woods Bagot created a “respectful transition from the pre-war, masonry façade to a modern, undulating glass exterior. . . with horizontal bands accented with curves that peel away from the façade to form outdoor balconies.”

Image: KONE

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

KONE WINS 107-UNIT ORDER FOR NEW EASTERN CHINA METRO LINE

KONE has won an order for the new Ningbo Metro Line 4 in eastern China. Travelers along the mostly underground, 36-km route will benefit from heavy-duty equipment designed specifically for metro projects in China. The order includes 79 TransitMasterTM escalators, and 25 MonoSpace® machine-room-less and three MiniSpace® elevators. The equipment has an hourly capacity of 7,000 people, and has numerous special features such as a high fire-protection rating for the handrails. Designed by Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd. and developed by Ningbo Rail Transit Group Co., the metro line is expected to start trial operation in December 2020.

E2 FORUM FRANKFURT COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER

E2 Forum Frankfurt: Innovation Forum for Elevator and Escalator Technology is taking place on September 18-19 at Messe Frankfurt in Frankfurt, Germany. Messe Frankfurt, organizer for the inaugural event, intends to provide the industry with a technology and content platform for dialogue with planners and operators of modern building-transportation systems. The conference is to take place every two years and has secured OEMs and other worldwide elevator manufacturers for its exhibition.

HIGH-RISE TOWER SET FOR DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT

The last piece of undeveloped real estate in the Dallas Arts District will soon be home to Atelier, a 41-story residential building, Skyrise Cities reports. Atelier, which means “artist workshop,” will have 364 luxury residences and 52 mixed-income artists’ lofts, including 43 affordable artist residences. It will have about 15,000 sq. ft. for retail outlets, plus gallery space and 553 parking slots. An amenities deck on the 11th floor will have a pool, lounge, fitness center, co-working space and a dog salon. The building will join neighborhood cultural amenities such as the Nasher Sculpture Center and the Meyerson Symphony Center. The developer is ZOM Living, and the design is by Stantec.

VIEEW ANNUAL MEETING TAKING PLACE DURING NAEC

The Vertical Initiative for Elevator Escalator Women (VIEEW) Annual Meeting will be held at the Sheraton & Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 24 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. This is the same location and on the first day of the National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) Convention. For more information, contact VIEEW President Martha Hulgan.

RETIREE RESIDENTIAL TOWER PLANNED FOR MONTREAL SUBURB

TVA Nouvelles reports that Réseau Sélection is planning a 30-story residential tower for retired or semi-retired people in the Montreal suburb of Repentigny, Canada. The high-rise building, named Sélection Repentigny Signature, will sit on the banks of the St. Lawrence River and will include 289 units, with 30 dedicated to care. Amenities include a swimming pool, gym, lounge, dining room, cinema and virtual golf course, as well as terraces on the fourth and sixth floors. The approximately CAD80-million (US$61-million) project is scheduled for completion in 2020.

WOODS BAGOT-DESIGNED RESIDENTIAL TOWER TOPS OUT IN LIC

A 23-story residential tower at 24-16 Queens Plaza South in Long Island City (LIC), New York, has topped out at 300 ft. ahead of an anticipated 2019 completion, New York YIMBY reports, citing information from The Court Square blog. Designed by Woods Bagot Architects, the tower is an expansion of a 1925 building that serves as a podium. The new structure will house 117 units within more than 100,000 sq. ft. and an array of amenities, such as a rooftop deck, fitness center and pool. The source notes Woods Bagot created a “respectful transition from the pre-war, masonry façade to a modern, undulating glass exterior. . . with horizontal bands accented with curves that peel away from the façade to form outdoor balconies.”

Image: KONE

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

AUSTRALIAN HOME-ELEVATOR MANUFACTURERS BUSIER THAN EVER

Home-elevator manufacturers in Australia are busier than ever, as a variety of factors — including the price of land forcing people to build up, the desire for convenience, and an aging population — have created unprecedented demand, Domain reports. Home elevators have also become more affordable, with a unit selling for less than half the approximately AUS$70,000 (US$52,250) it did years ago, according to David Mayer of Compact Home Lifts. Mayer said his company is selling 25 lifts a month, compared with only one or two several years ago. Erica Collins of The Residential Lift Co. said even people who have no mobility issues are opting for elevators to transport groceries, laundry and even pets, adding, "I don't think there's a lift company in Australia that's keeping up with demand."

ELEVATORS FIGURE BIG IN NYC MTA’S ACCESSIBILITY CATCH-UP PLAN

New York City’s (NYC) Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has embarked on a catch-up plan to bring subway-station accessibility from 25% to 100%, a plan that includes installing elevators at all of its 472 stations to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Bond Buyer reports. Alex Elegudin, the authority’s first-ever accessibility executive (ELENET 740), is helping guide the effort, which is being fueled by approximately US$5 billion earmarked for accessibility upgrades, and an additional US$479 million to replace 42 elevators and 27 escalators. NYC Transit President Andy Byford, to whom Elegudin reports, said “quick wins” can be scored with a skeptical public through better communication and making the existing elevator fleet more reliable.

ELEVATOR ISSUES AFFECTING SENIORS PROBED IN CLEVELAND

Elevator breakdowns in high-rise senior-living facilities in Cleveland were the focus of an investigation by WOIO-WUAB, which shared tips from city officials for seniors affected by such issues. There are approximately 3,900 elevators in Cleveland, one of two cities in Ohio that handles its own elevator inspections —conducted once a year. A big percentage of elevator rescues happen at senior high-rise apartments, the source noted. An official with the Department of Building and Housing urged people to report elevator outages in their buildings, observing that “unless somebody calls, we don’t know.” He said fear of retaliation should not be an issue, since reports are anonymous.

30-STORY TOWER ON TRACK FOR 2019 COMPLETION IN NYC

Four years after permits were filed, construction on the 481-ft.-tall, 30-story 1059 Third Avenue on New York City’s (NYC) Upper East Side has risen to 21 floors, New York YIMBY reports. Developed by Real Estate Inverland and Third Palm Capital, the Manuel Glas Architects-designed building will include 38 apartments starting on the sixth floor, hospital facilities on the third and fourth floors and office space on the second floor. The 18th floor will host an array of amenities, including a fitness center, pool and lounge. Topping out is expected by the end of this year, with completion anticipated by the end of 2019.

“CHEESEGRATER 2” CLEARS HURDLE IN LONDON DESPITE CONCERNS

Despite concerns it would overshadow the Tower of London and other historic structures, London city planners have recommended approval for a 263.4-m-tall, 57-story skyscraper designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill dubbed Cheesegrater 2 (due to its similarity to the nearby Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ Leadenhall Building), Building Design reports. Formally known as 100 Leadenhall Street, the building was designed for Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Development. If built, it would be the Square Mile’s third tallest building behind 1 Undershaft and 22 Bishopsgate.

Image courtesy domain.com.au:

https://www.domain.com.au/news/going-up-why-more-australians-are-installing-lifts-in-their-homes-20180707-h12bj1-751463/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

AUSTRALIAN HOME-ELEVATOR MANUFACTURERS BUSIER THAN EVER

Home-elevator manufacturers in Australia are busier than ever, as a variety of factors — including the price of land forcing people to build up, the desire for convenience, and an aging population — have created unprecedented demand, Domain reports. Home elevators have also become more affordable, with a unit selling for less than half the approximately AUS$70,000 (US$52,250) it did years ago, according to David Mayer of Compact Home Lifts. Mayer said his company is selling 25 lifts a month, compared with only one or two several years ago. Erica Collins of The Residential Lift Co. said even people who have no mobility issues are opting for elevators to transport groceries, laundry and even pets, adding, "I don't think there's a lift company in Australia that's keeping up with demand."

ELEVATORS FIGURE BIG IN NYC MTA’S ACCESSIBILITY CATCH-UP PLAN

New York City’s (NYC) Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has embarked on a catch-up plan to bring subway-station accessibility from 25% to 100%, a plan that includes installing elevators at all of its 472 stations to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Bond Buyer reports. Alex Elegudin, the authority’s first-ever accessibility executive (ELENET 740), is helping guide the effort, which is being fueled by approximately US$5 billion earmarked for accessibility upgrades, and an additional US$479 million to replace 42 elevators and 27 escalators. NYC Transit President Andy Byford, to whom Elegudin reports, said “quick wins” can be scored with a skeptical public through better communication and making the existing elevator fleet more reliable.

ELEVATOR ISSUES AFFECTING SENIORS PROBED IN CLEVELAND

Elevator breakdowns in high-rise senior-living facilities in Cleveland were the focus of an investigation by WOIO-WUAB, which shared tips from city officials for seniors affected by such issues. There are approximately 3,900 elevators in Cleveland, one of two cities in Ohio that handles its own elevator inspections —conducted once a year. A big percentage of elevator rescues happen at senior high-rise apartments, the source noted. An official with the Department of Building and Housing urged people to report elevator outages in their buildings, observing that “unless somebody calls, we don’t know.” He said fear of retaliation should not be an issue, since reports are anonymous.

30-STORY TOWER ON TRACK FOR 2019 COMPLETION IN NYC

Four years after permits were filed, construction on the 481-ft.-tall, 30-story 1059 Third Avenue on New York City’s (NYC) Upper East Side has risen to 21 floors, New York YIMBY reports. Developed by Real Estate Inverland and Third Palm Capital, the Manuel Glas Architects-designed building will include 38 apartments starting on the sixth floor, hospital facilities on the third and fourth floors and office space on the second floor. The 18th floor will host an array of amenities, including a fitness center, pool and lounge. Topping out is expected by the end of this year, with completion anticipated by the end of 2019.

“CHEESEGRATER 2” CLEARS HURDLE IN LONDON DESPITE CONCERNS

Despite concerns it would overshadow the Tower of London and other historic structures, London city planners have recommended approval for a 263.4-m-tall, 57-story skyscraper designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill dubbed Cheesegrater 2 (due to its similarity to the nearby Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ Leadenhall Building), Building Design reports. Formally known as 100 Leadenhall Street, the building was designed for Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Development. If built, it would be the Square Mile’s third tallest building behind 1 Undershaft and 22 Bishopsgate.

Image courtesy domain.com.au:

https://www.domain.com.au/news/going-up-why-more-australians-are-installing-lifts-in-their-homes-20180707-h12bj1-751463/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

AUSTRALIAN HOME-ELEVATOR MANUFACTURERS BUSIER THAN EVER

Home-elevator manufacturers in Australia are busier than ever, as a variety of factors — including the price of land forcing people to build up, the desire for convenience, and an aging population — have created unprecedented demand, Domain reports. Home elevators have also become more affordable, with a unit selling for less than half the approximately AUS$70,000 (US$52,250) it did years ago, according to David Mayer of Compact Home Lifts. Mayer said his company is selling 25 lifts a month, compared with only one or two several years ago. Erica Collins of The Residential Lift Co. said even people who have no mobility issues are opting for elevators to transport groceries, laundry and even pets, adding, "I don't think there's a lift company in Australia that's keeping up with demand."

ELEVATORS FIGURE BIG IN NYC MTA’S ACCESSIBILITY CATCH-UP PLAN

New York City’s (NYC) Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has embarked on a catch-up plan to bring subway-station accessibility from 25% to 100%, a plan that includes installing elevators at all of its 472 stations to make them compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Bond Buyer reports. Alex Elegudin, the authority’s first-ever accessibility executive (ELENET 740), is helping guide the effort, which is being fueled by approximately US$5 billion earmarked for accessibility upgrades, and an additional US$479 million to replace 42 elevators and 27 escalators. NYC Transit President Andy Byford, to whom Elegudin reports, said “quick wins” can be scored with a skeptical public through better communication and making the existing elevator fleet more reliable.

ELEVATOR ISSUES AFFECTING SENIORS PROBED IN CLEVELAND

Elevator breakdowns in high-rise senior-living facilities in Cleveland were the focus of an investigation by WOIO-WUAB, which shared tips from city officials for seniors affected by such issues. There are approximately 3,900 elevators in Cleveland, one of two cities in Ohio that handles its own elevator inspections —conducted once a year. A big percentage of elevator rescues happen at senior high-rise apartments, the source noted. An official with the Department of Building and Housing urged people to report elevator outages in their buildings, observing that “unless somebody calls, we don’t know.” He said fear of retaliation should not be an issue, since reports are anonymous.

30-STORY TOWER ON TRACK FOR 2019 COMPLETION IN NYC

Four years after permits were filed, construction on the 481-ft.-tall, 30-story 1059 Third Avenue on New York City’s (NYC) Upper East Side has risen to 21 floors, New York YIMBY reports. Developed by Real Estate Inverland and Third Palm Capital, the Manuel Glas Architects-designed building will include 38 apartments starting on the sixth floor, hospital facilities on the third and fourth floors and office space on the second floor. The 18th floor will host an array of amenities, including a fitness center, pool and lounge. Topping out is expected by the end of this year, with completion anticipated by the end of 2019.

“CHEESEGRATER 2” CLEARS HURDLE IN LONDON DESPITE CONCERNS

Despite concerns it would overshadow the Tower of London and other historic structures, London city planners have recommended approval for a 263.4-m-tall, 57-story skyscraper designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill dubbed Cheesegrater 2 (due to its similarity to the nearby Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ Leadenhall Building), Building Design reports. Formally known as 100 Leadenhall Street, the building was designed for Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Development. If built, it would be the Square Mile’s third tallest building behind 1 Undershaft and 22 Bishopsgate.

Image courtesy domain.com.au:

https://www.domain.com.au/news/going-up-why-more-australians-are-installing-lifts-in-their-homes-20180707-h12bj1-751463/

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. This week’s news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com

EW CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVED IN B.C.

All of ELEVATOR WORLD’s continuing education has been approved in British Columbia, Canada, by Technical Safety BC, an independent, self-funded organization that oversees the safe installation and operation of technical systems and equipment across the province. It inspects elevating devices, issues permits, licenses and certificates and works with industries to reduce safety risks through assessment, education and outreach, enforcement, and research.

 

108-STORY RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX GREENLIT IN MOSCOW CITY

Developer Mosinzhproekt has received approval to build a 108-story, 405.3-m-tall building in the Moscow City business district containing apartments, office space, amenities and a 4,000-m2 covered observation deck on its rooftop, Restate Russia reports. The design, by the architectural arm of Sergey Skuratov, features three additional below-ground floors, residential units spanning 195,400 m2 on 88 floors, four floors housing both apartments and offices, two floors for a shopping center and 15 floors containing technical rooms and offices. A timeframe for the project was not given.

 

OTTAWA PROPOSAL CONTAINS CITY’S FUTURE TALLEST BUILDING

A proposal by TIP Albert GP Inc. to build 65-,56- and 27-story towers each atop a three-story podium at 900 Albert Street near a new light-rail transit station in Ottawa, Canada, includes what would be the Canadian capital's tallest building, CBC reports. Ottawa's current tallest building is the 32-story Minto Metropole. City staff recommended the mixed-use project be approved, despite one lawmaker's concern its height and size would be unsuitable for the community. In exchange for building higher, the developer agreed to contribute CAD975,000 (US$744,595) toward affordable housing and build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. If built, the development would have 1,241 residential units, office, retail, 1,059 parking spots for cars and 740 parking spots for bikes.

 

LANDMARK RAFFLES CITY CHONGQING NEARLY COMPLETE IN CHINA

Singapore's CapitaLand Group welcomed Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean to its "landmark urban renewal development" Raffles City Chonqing in southern China to observe progress at the multiple tower, 1.12 million-m2 development, CapitaLand's largest to date in China, World Architecture News reports. With the project nearly 80% complete, it is set to open in phases starting in the second quarter of 2019. To be served by a KONE vertical-transportation system (ELENET 691), Raffles City Chongqing will have a retail podium and eight skyscrapers of up to 350 m for residential, office, serviced residence and hotel use. Six of the skyscrapers have topped out. Among noteworthy features of Raffles City Chongqing are the world's highest skybridge linking the most number of towers, China's tallest residential tower and Chongqing's tallest building. Safdie Architects is behind the design. 

 

RENDERING REVEALED FOR PRIME NYC BILLIONAIRE’S ROW SITE

New York YIMBY has revealed a rendering for a “relatively tall glass skyscraper” by developer LeFrak at 31 West 57th Street, which it describes as a prime spot on New York City’s (NYC) Billionaire’s Row. Situated just west of the 50-story Solow Building, the structure features a cantilever starting several floors above street level and bears a resemblance to Central Park Tower. It is uncertain what the structure would contain, but residences appear to be likely. Despite lacking supertall status, the building would still boast “unimpeded views of Central Park.” A timeline was not announced.

Image: Safdie Architects

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/project/2018/28769/safdie-architects/raffles-city-in-chongqing.html

Subscribe to the Podcast: iTunes│Google Play | SoundCloud│Stitcher│TuneIn