Elevator World

Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

OEMS WIN PRESTIGIOUS RED DOT PRODUCT DESIGN AWARDS

Otis and KONE are among OEMs to recently announce winning awards in the international Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 competition. Otis was recognized for its Ambiance hall fixtures with call buttons and position indicators. Ambiance fixtures are available in Europe with Gen2® elevators. The fixtures replace conventional, small call buttons covered by a switch plate with large tiles that can be pressed on their entire surface, making it easier to push the button with an elbow, forearm or wrist. Ambiance fixtures also reduce energy consumption and exceed new European accessibility standards. Finland-based KONE won five awards, including a Red Dot: Best of the Best honor in the Interior Design Elements category for its TravelMasterTM Premium Kit escalator solution. The company was also recognized for the Lane next-generation access gate, which received two awards, one each in the Interior Design Elements and Innovative Products categories, the Office Flow solution in the Smart Products category and the Digital Experience Car in the Interior Design Elements category.

Image credit: courtesy of KONE

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

NAEC CONVENTION MOVED FROM ATLANTIC CITY TO NEW ORLEANS

The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) announced on May 17 that its 72nd Annual Convention and Exposition has been moved from Atlantic City, New Jersey, to New Orleans. The dates have also been changed to October 4-7. NAEC Executive Director Rená Cozart observes the association has been in close contact with the New Jersey governor’s office and the Centers for Disease Control as event restrictions related to COVID-19 ease, but “the incremental openings are vague enough in nature that we cannot, in good conscience, continue registering and advising exhibitors when Atlantic City may not be up to full capacity for large group meetings.” NAEC President Hope Evans says the association has “a fantastic alternative in New Orleans,” which has hosted successful NAEC events in the past. The new venue is the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and the partner hotels are New Orleans Hilton Riverside, New Orleans Marriott and the Hampton Inn & Suites. For additional information, contact NAEC Manager of Marketing and Member Services Tripp Cook at email: [email protected] or phone: 770-760-9660.

Image credit: by Oliver Weidmann for Pixabay

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

IN MEMORIAM: ZACK McCAIN, JR.

Upon learning that his friend and colleague, Zack McCain, Jr., had passed away at age 88, Jim Coaker reflected on McCain's legacy. For those in the elevator industry, Coaker said, McCain's handbooks are “an indispensable resource; any inspectors who don't use them are doing themselves a terrible disservice." A more than 45-year veteran of American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17 code development, McCain died at his home in Norman, Oklahoma, on May 11, surrounded by loved ones after a battle with cancer. An ELEVATOR WORLD author who penned many articles and books, McCain became involved in A17 code in 1976 and continued to contribute until shortly before his passing. After earning his mechanical engineering degree from Lamar University, the Beaumont, Texas, native obtained his professional engineer license and was the elevator program administrator for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. General Services Administration and the U.S. Postal Service. In 1990, he founded McCain Engineering Associates, Inc. McCain liked being his own boss and enjoyed traveling with his late wife, Mary Jane, to many places where they met interesting people. He retired in 2017, and kept busy with hobbies that included woodworking, restoring classic cars, vegetable gardening and rebuilding player pianos. Survivors include children, Deborah, Linda, Zack, Thomas, Mark and James; a sister, Norma Jean; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Visitation is planned on May 19 from 5-7 p.m. at Tribute Memorial Care, 708 24th Avenue Northwest, Suite 200, Norman, Oklahoma, and funeral services at 10 a.m. on May 20 at the Almeda Church of Christ at 801 East Almeda Street, also in Norman.

Image credit: By Gerd Altmann for Pixabay

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

OBSERVATORY WITH GLASS ELEVATOR TO DEBUT IN MANHATTAN

Summit One Vanderbilt, an observatory in the crown of the new 1,401-ft-tall One Vanderbilt office supertall in Midtown Manhattan, is set to open on October 21, developer SL Green announced on May 11. Described as a multisensory, immersive experience, the attraction includes an all-glass elevator system called Ascent that travels up the outside of the building and provides "breathtaking" views of NYC from 1,210 ft up. Robert Schiffer, managing director at SL Green, told ELEVATOR WORLD that Cimolai Technology SpA of Italy manufactured the lift's rack-and-pinion system and drive, and Wittur designed its cabs. In addition to the glass elevator, Summit One Vanderbilt will boast Levitation — transparent glass sky boxes jutting out over the city, suspending guests 1,063 ft above Madison Avenue, as well as an outdoor bar, seating areas and the "highest urban outdoor alpine meadow in the world." A “category-breaking” art installation by Kenzo Digital is set to debut this summer. Snøhetta designed the interior of Summit One Vanderbilt's 65,000-ft2, four-level entertainment space. As recreation and tourism rebound in the city, SL Green said it invested heavily in both sustainability and public safety. Summit One Vanderbilt has been outfitted with UV-C light sanitation and MERV-16 air filtration, as well as high-efficiency particulate-absorbing filters.

Image credit: courtesy of SL Green

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

SPECIALIZED ELEVATOR SERVICES EXPANDS CALIFORNIA REACH

Specialized Elevator Services (SES), an independent company providing maintenance, repair and modernization, has expanded its reach in California with a new Sacramento office. Serving customers throughout the Sacramento area, the office is led by District Sales Manager Rachel Jones. Servicing most major brands, SES has additional offices in San Diego, Los Angeles/Orange County/Inland Empire and San Francisco. "The chance to work with an independent service company will provide elevator owners and managers with more choices in the Sacramento market," Jones said. The new office can be reached at 916-792-5414.

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

RECENT LEASES AT MANHATTAN OFFICE TOWER POINT TO RECOVERY

Office tenants including investment firms U.A.E.-based Mamura Holdings LLC, MSD Partners and asset manager Nearwater Management recently signed leases with SL Green for space in the Kohn Pedersen Fox-designed One Vanderbilt, a new, 1,401-ft-tall supertall in Midtown Manhattan, Real Estate Weekly reports. A total of 11 new leases signed during the pandemic brings occupancy to 79% at the tower — which is served by a Schindler vertical-transportation system that includes 43 elevators and five escalators — and points to post-pandemic recovery. MSD will occupy 35,000 ft2 of space under a 10-year lease, and MSD, the entire 26th floor, under a 15-year lease. Steven Durels, executive vice president and director of Leasing and Real Property at SL Green, said the firm anticipates “leasing velocity to remain strong as NYC’s revitalization continues, employees return to the office and tenants continue to seek new or highly improved office space to meet their future needs.”

Image credit: courtesy of KPF

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

UNITED CABS RESTRUCTURES, EXPANDS AND TAPS A LEADER

A new entity, United Vertical Group, has been formed to represent United Cabs Inc.'s elevator cab products and United Metals Corp.'s hoistway entrance products, United Cabs announced this month. At the same time, the Long Island, New York-based company announced Laureen Rios as president of United Vertical Group. The restructuring comes in tandem with United Cabs' recent move into a 35,000-ft2 space, which is being outfitted with more than US$1 million in new machinery. The company stated the restructuring and physical expansion promise to enhance customer service and facilitate growth in a competitive market. Rios has more than 17 years' experience in the elevator industry and has handled "virtually every situation" with vendors, colleagues and clients. She is highly regarded among elevator contractors and consultants, according to United Cabs, which was founded by CEO Victor Rosario.

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

IN MEMORIAM: KEITH JENKINS

Keith Jenkins, a resident of Montreal and founder of Canadian elevator consultancy KJA Consultants Inc., passed away in February at age 83. Widely regarded as a pioneer in the elevator consulting profession, Jenkins was a contemporary and associate of ELEVATOR WORLD founder William C. Sturgeon. Jenkins and his projects were featured often in EW throughout the 1970s and '80s when his firm, founded in 1965, was known as Keith Jenkins & Associates. What is now KJA grew to become the third-largest consultancy in North America. Survivors include his wife, Sylvie; daughter, Katherine; and many other loved ones, friends and colleagues. KJA Chief Operating Officer Rob Isabelle observed that many "old timers" knew Jenkins for his superior intellect, technical abilities and elevator industry trailblazing. Many of his colleagues shared tributes about his legacy.

Image credit: by M.H. for Pixabay

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

AEG ACQUIRES ABELL ELEVATOR INTERNATIONAL

American Elevator Group (AEG) announced on May 3 the acquisition of Abell Elevator International, which serves customers throughout Kentucky and North Carolina. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, Abell Elevator was founded in 1910. It was acquired by industry veteran Kent Lloyd in 1976. The company specializes in installation, maintenance, modernization and repair of all types of vertical-transportation equipment, with a particular focus on energy-efficient, environmentally responsible elevators. Abell Elevator is led by Kent Lloyd's son, David Lloyd, who serves as president.

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today’s podcast news podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: www.elevatorbooks.com

SCHINDLER ACQUIRES DENVER-BASED CES

Schindler has acquired Denver-based Colorado Elevator Solutions (CES), Florida-based Maven Group LLC, which facilitated the transaction, announced on May 4. CES founder and principal Scott Brugh said he is proud of the portfolio CES has built in the Denver area over the years. "With the addition of Schindler's engineering expertise, we hope to provide the best of both worlds to our employees and customers going forward," Brugh said, praising the "competitive bid process and due diligence" arranged by Maven. Lape Mansfield Nakasian & Gibson LLC served as legal advisor to Schindler, and FR Law Group acted as legal advisor to CES.

Image credit: courtesy of CES

To read the full transcript of today's podcast, visit: elevatorworld.com/news

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