Elevator World

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

WALKER STEPS INTO COO ROLE AT THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR

Peter Walker has stepped into the chief operating officer (COO) role at thyssenkrupp Elevator as a member of the board for the company’s global Elevator Technology business area. He previously served as CEO of the Asia-Pacific business unit. As a business-area board member, Walker will play a key role in simplifying complex business processes in the elevator and escalator business and streamlining thyssenkrupp's product portfolio, including reducing the number of elevator and escalator models. A native of Sydney, Walker joined thyssenkrupp in 1995 after studying economics and electrical engineering. He was in charge of business in Australia and New Zealand starting in 1997 and, since 2003, was responsible for "significantly expanding" business in that region as both COO and CEO.

NYC’S FINANCIAL DISTRICT WELCOMES 63-STORY RESIDENTIAL TOWER

The 63-story, 725-ft.-tall 19 Dutch Street, formerly known as 118 Fulton Street, is nearly complete in New York City’s (NYC) Financial District, and leasing is expected to start in the spring, New York YIMBY reports. Developed by Carmel Partners, the structure has approximately 480 rental units and amenities, including a fitness center and sky lounge, along with retail on the cellar through second floors. SLCE Architects is the architect of record, with a GKV-designed glass façade that incorporates white lines that are illuminated in sunlight and disappear in the shade. Fitting in with the district's existing skyline, 19 Dutch boasts views of Midtown, Brooklyn and the East River.

4 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS INJURED IN L.A. ELEVATOR SHAFT FALL

Four male construction workers were injured because of falling approximately 30 ft. down an elevator shaft in an unfinished five-story building on February 16 in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports via The Associated Press. The fire department responded to the incident, which, according to workers, occurred when a piece of plywood collapsed underneath the men. Three of them, said to be between 45-60 years old, were hospitalized in critical condition and one in fair condition.

PORTLAND PLAN INCLUDES BRIDGE-CONNECTED TOWERS

A conceptual plan for the redevelopment of Portland, Oregon's Broadway Corridor envisions multiple mixed-use high rises, The Construction Specifier reports. The concept, submitted by Kaven + Co. and William/Kaven Architecture, would bring 464,515 m2 of new development to a core area of the city. The most prominent feature of the plan would be a pair of towers — the tallest of which would stand more than 274 m — linked by a 71-m-long, glass-enclosed "botanical bridge" more than halfway up the two buildings. The plan includes other towers incorporating residential, office and retail space. The development would connect Portland’s Amtrak Union Station to the city's Pearl District through a pedestrian-centric district.

Image courtesy constructionspecifier.com:

https://www.constructionspecifier.com/bold-design-proposed-portlands-broadway-corridor/

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

WALKER STEPS INTO COO ROLE AT THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR

Peter Walker has stepped into the chief operating officer (COO) role at thyssenkrupp Elevator as a member of the board for the company’s global Elevator Technology business area. He previously served as CEO of the Asia-Pacific business unit. As a business-area board member, Walker will play a key role in simplifying complex business processes in the elevator and escalator business and streamlining thyssenkrupp's product portfolio, including reducing the number of elevator and escalator models. A native of Sydney, Walker joined thyssenkrupp in 1995 after studying economics and electrical engineering. He was in charge of business in Australia and New Zealand starting in 1997 and, since 2003, was responsible for "significantly expanding" business in that region as both COO and CEO.

NYC’S FINANCIAL DISTRICT WELCOMES 63-STORY RESIDENTIAL TOWER

The 63-story, 725-ft.-tall 19 Dutch Street, formerly known as 118 Fulton Street, is nearly complete in New York City’s (NYC) Financial District, and leasing is expected to start in the spring, New York YIMBY reports. Developed by Carmel Partners, the structure has approximately 480 rental units and amenities, including a fitness center and sky lounge, along with retail on the cellar through second floors. SLCE Architects is the architect of record, with a GKV-designed glass façade that incorporates white lines that are illuminated in sunlight and disappear in the shade. Fitting in with the district's existing skyline, 19 Dutch boasts views of Midtown, Brooklyn and the East River.

4 CONSTRUCTION WORKERS INJURED IN L.A. ELEVATOR SHAFT FALL

Four male construction workers were injured because of falling approximately 30 ft. down an elevator shaft in an unfinished five-story building on February 16 in the North Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Times reports via The Associated Press. The fire department responded to the incident, which, according to workers, occurred when a piece of plywood collapsed underneath the men. Three of them, said to be between 45-60 years old, were hospitalized in critical condition and one in fair condition.

PORTLAND PLAN INCLUDES BRIDGE-CONNECTED TOWERS

A conceptual plan for the redevelopment of Portland, Oregon's Broadway Corridor envisions multiple mixed-use high rises, The Construction Specifier reports. The concept, submitted by Kaven + Co. and William/Kaven Architecture, would bring 464,515 m2 of new development to a core area of the city. The most prominent feature of the plan would be a pair of towers — the tallest of which would stand more than 274 m — linked by a 71-m-long, glass-enclosed "botanical bridge" more than halfway up the two buildings. The plan includes other towers incorporating residential, office and retail space. The development would connect Portland’s Amtrak Union Station to the city's Pearl District through a pedestrian-centric district.

Image courtesy constructionspecifier.com:

https://www.constructionspecifier.com/bold-design-proposed-portlands-broadway-corridor/

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

LERCH BATES TO GROW GLOBAL WORKFORCE BY 20% IN 2018

Lerch Bates, Inc. plans to grow its global workforce by 20% in 2018, citing a global construction industry projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% from 2018-2023. One focus is on Latin American regions. Lerch Bates opened a location in Santiago, Chile, earlier this month in light of Chilean legislation requiring inspection and documentation for elevator equipment. The company tells ELEVATOR WORLD it has more than 250 employees globally and is considering 20-50 new hires in 2018-2019. Its 2018 projects include elevator design for The Peninsula in London, audit and maintenance management for MGM's U.S. portfolio and elevator modernization at the AT&T Tower in Nashville.

INVERTEK ADDS ANECHOIC CHAMBER FOR R&D, EXPANDS

Variable-frequency drive designer and manufacturer Invertek Drives has taken delivery of an anechoic chamber as part of a continued investment into R&D. The company's innovation team, based at its global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Welshpool, U.K., is using the chamber for design and validation. Also known as an electromagnetic compatibility chamber, the room is radio-frequency shielded to allow in-house electromagnetic emissions, immunity and wireless testing. Additionally, Invertek is building a 5,000-m2 production facility at its headquarters. To be completed at the end of 2018, it builds on the company's existing 3,000-m2 production facility. Invertek expects the expansion to increase its production to more than 400,000 drives a year.

“INVEST IN IRAQ” DRAWS INDUSTRY, INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

The Kuwait International Conference of Iraq Reconstruction and Development was held on February 13. Organized by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry, National Investment Commission of the Republic of Iraq, World Bank (WB) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, it included a conference titled "Invest in Iraq" attended by investors from all over the world. Iraq presented feasibility studies and licenses for 60 key investment projects, the total amount of which exceeded US$85 billion, Kuwait Chamber announced. Businessmen from the elevator industry and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson attended the event, the first of its kind to be supported by the WB.

NYC DOB REMINDS OF SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings (DOB) has released a reminder of new 2018 safety training requirements. Beginning March 1, construction workers on large projects must have 10 hr. of safety training. Pursuant to Local Law 196 of 2017, by that date, they must show they have taken at least an OSHA 10 class within the previous five years to continue working. When fully phased in by 2019, workers at jobsites that require a site safety pan must receive a minimum of 40 hr. of training. Supervisors must receive a minimum of 60 hr. of training. If training isn’t performed, a fine of up to US$5,000 per untrained worker may be assessed. If a permit holder fails to maintain a log to prove training, a US$2,500 fine can also be issued.

CECA CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPEN

The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) has opened registration for its 44th annual convention, taking place on May 29-June 1 in Calgary, Canada. Hosted by Canwest Elevator and Lifts, the event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Calgary and include a round of golf at the Lynx Ridge Golf Club and a night at the Glenbow museum, in addition to the annual themed kickoff breakfast, annual general meeting educational sessions and exhibition. Visit cecaconvention.com for more information.

Image courtesy invertekdrives.com:

http://www.invertekdrives.com/news/post/Inverteks-innovation-team-takes-delivery-of-latest-Anechoic-EMC-Chamber.aspx

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

LERCH BATES TO GROW GLOBAL WORKFORCE BY 20% IN 2018

Lerch Bates, Inc. plans to grow its global workforce by 20% in 2018, citing a global construction industry projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.2% from 2018-2023. One focus is on Latin American regions. Lerch Bates opened a location in Santiago, Chile, earlier this month in light of Chilean legislation requiring inspection and documentation for elevator equipment. The company tells ELEVATOR WORLD it has more than 250 employees globally and is considering 20-50 new hires in 2018-2019. Its 2018 projects include elevator design for The Peninsula in London, audit and maintenance management for MGM's U.S. portfolio and elevator modernization at the AT&T Tower in Nashville.

INVERTEK ADDS ANECHOIC CHAMBER FOR R&D, EXPANDS

Variable-frequency drive designer and manufacturer Invertek Drives has taken delivery of an anechoic chamber as part of a continued investment into R&D. The company's innovation team, based at its global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Welshpool, U.K., is using the chamber for design and validation. Also known as an electromagnetic compatibility chamber, the room is radio-frequency shielded to allow in-house electromagnetic emissions, immunity and wireless testing. Additionally, Invertek is building a 5,000-m2 production facility at its headquarters. To be completed at the end of 2018, it builds on the company's existing 3,000-m2 production facility. Invertek expects the expansion to increase its production to more than 400,000 drives a year.

“INVEST IN IRAQ” DRAWS INDUSTRY, INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

The Kuwait International Conference of Iraq Reconstruction and Development was held on February 13. Organized by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry, National Investment Commission of the Republic of Iraq, World Bank (WB) and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, it included a conference titled "Invest in Iraq" attended by investors from all over the world. Iraq presented feasibility studies and licenses for 60 key investment projects, the total amount of which exceeded US$85 billion, Kuwait Chamber announced. Businessmen from the elevator industry and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson attended the event, the first of its kind to be supported by the WB.

NYC DOB REMINDS OF SAFETY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

The New York City (NYC) Department of Buildings (DOB) has released a reminder of new 2018 safety training requirements. Beginning March 1, construction workers on large projects must have 10 hr. of safety training. Pursuant to Local Law 196 of 2017, by that date, they must show they have taken at least an OSHA 10 class within the previous five years to continue working. When fully phased in by 2019, workers at jobsites that require a site safety pan must receive a minimum of 40 hr. of training. Supervisors must receive a minimum of 60 hr. of training. If training isn’t performed, a fine of up to US$5,000 per untrained worker may be assessed. If a permit holder fails to maintain a log to prove training, a US$2,500 fine can also be issued.

CECA CONVENTION REGISTRATION OPEN

The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) has opened registration for its 44th annual convention, taking place on May 29-June 1 in Calgary, Canada. Hosted by Canwest Elevator and Lifts, the event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Calgary and include a round of golf at the Lynx Ridge Golf Club and a night at the Glenbow museum, in addition to the annual themed kickoff breakfast, annual general meeting educational sessions and exhibition. Visit cecaconvention.com for more information.

Image courtesy invertekdrives.com:

http://www.invertekdrives.com/news/post/Inverteks-innovation-team-takes-delivery-of-latest-Anechoic-EMC-Chamber.aspx

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

FARGO AIRPORT SKYWAY PLANS INCLUDE ELEVATORS

Plans to protect people from the elements at Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, include a skywalk supported by four structures housing stairs and elevators, The Bismarck Tribune reports. Renderings by TL Stroh Architects also show escalators. Estimated to cost up to US$15 million, the elevated walkway would connect parking area and terminal. During a presentation to the Municipal Airport Authority on February 13, TL Stroh described the four elevators as "large, hospital-type" units able to accommodate up to six people and their luggage. A timeframe was not given, but funding must be secured first.

MELBOURNE RESIDENTIAL SKYSCRAPER TOPS OUT EARLY

Avant, a residential skyscraper in the central business district of Melbourne, Australia, has topped out at 167 m two months ahead of schedule, The Urban Developer reports. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the 57-story building at 54 A'Beckett Street was built by Probuild using a new construction method that optimizes movement of personnel and materials. It contains 456 apartments and three stories of retail and communal space. Approximately 200 apartments are scheduled to be delivered this month, with the remainder in mid 2018. The developer is World Class Global of Singapore.

TOWER ON ROSELAND BALLROOM SITE IN NYC NEARLY COMPLETE

The 62-story, 674-ft.-tall ARO, designed by CetraRuddy with a futuristic look on the site of the old Roseland Ballroom in Midtown New York City (NYC), is expected to be complete by the end of the year, New York YIMBY reports. Located at 242 West 53rd Street within close proximity of numerous public-transit options, the structure will house 426 apartments, ground-level retail and amenities including a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and a sundeck. Its façade features glass with white steel paneling and rounded corners. Developer Algin Management described ARO as "contextual sculpture."

Image courtesy ny.curbed.com:

https://ny.curbed.com/2017/7/25/16025156/midtown-new-york-roseland-ballroom-skyscraper-aro

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

FARGO AIRPORT SKYWAY PLANS INCLUDE ELEVATORS

Plans to protect people from the elements at Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, include a skywalk supported by four structures housing stairs and elevators, The Bismarck Tribune reports. Renderings by TL Stroh Architects also show escalators. Estimated to cost up to US$15 million, the elevated walkway would connect parking area and terminal. During a presentation to the Municipal Airport Authority on February 13, TL Stroh described the four elevators as "large, hospital-type" units able to accommodate up to six people and their luggage. A timeframe was not given, but funding must be secured first.

MELBOURNE RESIDENTIAL SKYSCRAPER TOPS OUT EARLY

Avant, a residential skyscraper in the central business district of Melbourne, Australia, has topped out at 167 m two months ahead of schedule, The Urban Developer reports. Designed by Elenberg Fraser, the 57-story building at 54 A'Beckett Street was built by Probuild using a new construction method that optimizes movement of personnel and materials. It contains 456 apartments and three stories of retail and communal space. Approximately 200 apartments are scheduled to be delivered this month, with the remainder in mid 2018. The developer is World Class Global of Singapore.

TOWER ON ROSELAND BALLROOM SITE IN NYC NEARLY COMPLETE

The 62-story, 674-ft.-tall ARO, designed by CetraRuddy with a futuristic look on the site of the old Roseland Ballroom in Midtown New York City (NYC), is expected to be complete by the end of the year, New York YIMBY reports. Located at 242 West 53rd Street within close proximity of numerous public-transit options, the structure will house 426 apartments, ground-level retail and amenities including a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools and a sundeck. Its façade features glass with white steel paneling and rounded corners. Developer Algin Management described ARO as "contextual sculpture."

Image courtesy ny.curbed.com:

https://ny.curbed.com/2017/7/25/16025156/midtown-new-york-roseland-ballroom-skyscraper-aro

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

ORACLE ACQUIRES FOUR MORE INDEPENDENTS

Oracle Elevator of Tampa recently announced four acquisitions. SCS Elevator of Florida; Texas Independent Elevator and Premier Elevator Services, both of Texas; and Triangle Elevator of North Carolina join the company's acquisitions of Daytona Elevator and Florida State Elevator. All six deals, completed within the last 10 months, involve providers of elevator maintenance, repair and modernization services. With new branches in Oklahoma City and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Oracle has 25 branches across 13 states. It has acquired 23 independent elevator companies.

PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR HAMBURG’S TALLEST

Plans for a 230-m-tall office building, to be the tallest in Hamburg, Germany, have been unveiled, The Architects' Journal reports. The "Elbtower" design won a competition with a proposal for a tower that rises in steps at its base and tapers at the top. David Chipperfield Architects said its design was defined by the roles for the building: "as a counterpoint to the Elbphilharmonie and an entrance marker on the eastern edge of the Hafencity." Its ground-floor podium upon a triangular plot at the confluence of the Elbe River and Oberhafen canal links to the train and metro station to the east and a bicycle bridge to the north. Developer Signa Prime Selection intends to begin construction in 2021, with completion expected in 2025.

SINGAPOREAN SKYSCRAPER A “TROPICAL GREEN OASIS”

A 51-story, 280-m-tall mixed-use skyscraper under construction in Singapore's Raffles Place has a striking design designboom describes as a "tropical green oasis." Bjarke Ingels Group and Carlo Ratti Associates are behind the concept, with Singapore firm RSP serving as project architect. CapitaLand Ltd. is the developer. Including 635,000 sq. ft. of office space and nearly 300 residences, the building's façade peels back to reveal lush greenery at the base, core and rooftop. In addition to ample communal space, the structure will be outfitted with smart technology. Completion is anticipated in 2021.

LAGRANGE-DESIGNED RESIDENTIAL TOWER FOR CHICAGO SUBURB

Lucien Lagrange, the French architect behind such notable Chicago buildings as the Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton Residences, has designed a 27-story tower that, if built, will be more than twice as tall as the tallest buildings in the suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois, Curbed Chicago reports. Developer Jupiter Realty hopes to build the tower, containing up to 85 condominiums starting at US$1 million, at 1900 Spring Road. The design sports signature Lagrange features such as a mansard roof, rounded balconies and precast concrete façade. Jupiter aims to break ground in 2019 and welcome residents the following year.

Image courtesy architectsjournal.co.uk:

https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/chipperfield-wins-contest-to-design-hamburgs-tallest-tower/10027994.article

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

ORACLE ACQUIRES FOUR MORE INDEPENDENTS

Oracle Elevator of Tampa recently announced four acquisitions. SCS Elevator of Florida; Texas Independent Elevator and Premier Elevator Services, both of Texas; and Triangle Elevator of North Carolina join the company's acquisitions of Daytona Elevator and Florida State Elevator. All six deals, completed within the last 10 months, involve providers of elevator maintenance, repair and modernization services. With new branches in Oklahoma City and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Oracle has 25 branches across 13 states. It has acquired 23 independent elevator companies.

PLAN ANNOUNCED FOR HAMBURG’S TALLEST

Plans for a 230-m-tall office building, to be the tallest in Hamburg, Germany, have been unveiled, The Architects' Journal reports. The "Elbtower" design won a competition with a proposal for a tower that rises in steps at its base and tapers at the top. David Chipperfield Architects said its design was defined by the roles for the building: "as a counterpoint to the Elbphilharmonie and an entrance marker on the eastern edge of the Hafencity." Its ground-floor podium upon a triangular plot at the confluence of the Elbe River and Oberhafen canal links to the train and metro station to the east and a bicycle bridge to the north. Developer Signa Prime Selection intends to begin construction in 2021, with completion expected in 2025.

SINGAPOREAN SKYSCRAPER A “TROPICAL GREEN OASIS”

A 51-story, 280-m-tall mixed-use skyscraper under construction in Singapore's Raffles Place has a striking design designboom describes as a "tropical green oasis." Bjarke Ingels Group and Carlo Ratti Associates are behind the concept, with Singapore firm RSP serving as project architect. CapitaLand Ltd. is the developer. Including 635,000 sq. ft. of office space and nearly 300 residences, the building's façade peels back to reveal lush greenery at the base, core and rooftop. In addition to ample communal space, the structure will be outfitted with smart technology. Completion is anticipated in 2021.

LAGRANGE-DESIGNED RESIDENTIAL TOWER FOR CHICAGO SUBURB

Lucien Lagrange, the French architect behind such notable Chicago buildings as the Waldorf Astoria and Ritz-Carlton Residences, has designed a 27-story tower that, if built, will be more than twice as tall as the tallest buildings in the suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois, Curbed Chicago reports. Developer Jupiter Realty hopes to build the tower, containing up to 85 condominiums starting at US$1 million, at 1900 Spring Road. The design sports signature Lagrange features such as a mansard roof, rounded balconies and precast concrete façade. Jupiter aims to break ground in 2019 and welcome residents the following year.

Image courtesy architectsjournal.co.uk:

https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/chipperfield-wins-contest-to-design-hamburgs-tallest-tower/10027994.article

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

COLLEGE STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON ESCALATOR LESSONS WITH BART

Engineering students from the University of California, Merced, are getting a chance to solve real-life problems, thanks to a partnership with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco, Mass Transit reports. This spring semester, one of two student teams is scheduled to work on improving maintenance of BART escalators by finding ways to automatically measure and record escalators' step-chain elongation. It is hoped the data will help BART engineers improve the predictive-maintenance schedule. A dual purpose of the program is to create bonds with future engineers who will fill jobs left open by the large percentage of BART engineers who are retiring.

MIXED-USE PALM JUMEIRAH TOWER NEARLY COMPLETE IN DUBAI

Developer Nakheel has announced that concrete work on its Palm Tower on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah is more than 80% complete, with 42 of 50 floors delivered. The remainder are expected to be delivered by the third quarter of 2018. Located in the heart of the famous artificial archipelago Palm Jumeirah, Palm Tower will have a 289-room St. Regis hotel on the first 18 floors with approximately 430 residences above. Its rooftop complex will boast an infinity pool, public-viewing deck and fine-dining restaurant. Palm Tower is "at the doorstep" of the 1.1-million-sq.-ft. Ittihad indigenous nature park.

THYSSENKRUPP FLEET VEHICLE ON DISPLAY AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

thyssenkrupp Elevator's 2018 Ford Transit Connect vehicle is part of the Ford exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show, the oldest and longest-running auto show in North America, through February 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Ford brought Transit Connect to the U.S. from Europe in 2010. Since then, the thyssenkrupp Transit Connect fleet, consisting of propane, electric and hybrid vehicles, has "played an important role in helping thyssenkrupp meet its ambitious sustainability goals" and resulted in thyssenkrupp Elevator Americas being recognized by Automotive Fleet as having one of the greenest commercial fleets in the U.S.

MOSTLY RESIDENTIAL TOWER COMING TO JAMAICA, QUEENS

A 24-story, 254-ft.-tall tower with 522 apartments and ground- and cellar-level retail (ELENET 641) is coming to 147-07 94th Avenue in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York, New York YIMBY reports. GF55 is the architect of record, and Artimus Construction is the developer. Currently home to an existing three-story building, the site is convenient to public transit, including the Jamaica Long Island Rail Road train station one block away. The development will include an array of resident amenities, such as private and common terraces, and more than 100 parking spaces. A completion date has not been announced.

Image: BART

http://www.masstransitmag.com/press_release/12396536/bart-teams-up-with-uc-merced-engineering-students-through-innovate-to-grow-program

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

COLLEGE STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON ESCALATOR LESSONS WITH BART

Engineering students from the University of California, Merced, are getting a chance to solve real-life problems, thanks to a partnership with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in San Francisco, Mass Transit reports. This spring semester, one of two student teams is scheduled to work on improving maintenance of BART escalators by finding ways to automatically measure and record escalators' step-chain elongation. It is hoped the data will help BART engineers improve the predictive-maintenance schedule. A dual purpose of the program is to create bonds with future engineers who will fill jobs left open by the large percentage of BART engineers who are retiring.

MIXED-USE PALM JUMEIRAH TOWER NEARLY COMPLETE IN DUBAI

Developer Nakheel has announced that concrete work on its Palm Tower on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah is more than 80% complete, with 42 of 50 floors delivered. The remainder are expected to be delivered by the third quarter of 2018. Located in the heart of the famous artificial archipelago Palm Jumeirah, Palm Tower will have a 289-room St. Regis hotel on the first 18 floors with approximately 430 residences above. Its rooftop complex will boast an infinity pool, public-viewing deck and fine-dining restaurant. Palm Tower is "at the doorstep" of the 1.1-million-sq.-ft. Ittihad indigenous nature park.

THYSSENKRUPP FLEET VEHICLE ON DISPLAY AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW

thyssenkrupp Elevator's 2018 Ford Transit Connect vehicle is part of the Ford exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show, the oldest and longest-running auto show in North America, through February 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Ford brought Transit Connect to the U.S. from Europe in 2010. Since then, the thyssenkrupp Transit Connect fleet, consisting of propane, electric and hybrid vehicles, has "played an important role in helping thyssenkrupp meet its ambitious sustainability goals" and resulted in thyssenkrupp Elevator Americas being recognized by Automotive Fleet as having one of the greenest commercial fleets in the U.S.

MOSTLY RESIDENTIAL TOWER COMING TO JAMAICA, QUEENS

A 24-story, 254-ft.-tall tower with 522 apartments and ground- and cellar-level retail (ELENET 641) is coming to 147-07 94th Avenue in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York, New York YIMBY reports. GF55 is the architect of record, and Artimus Construction is the developer. Currently home to an existing three-story building, the site is convenient to public transit, including the Jamaica Long Island Rail Road train station one block away. The development will include an array of resident amenities, such as private and common terraces, and more than 100 parking spaces. A completion date has not been announced.

Image: BART

http://www.masstransitmag.com/press_release/12396536/bart-teams-up-with-uc-merced-engineering-students-through-innovate-to-grow-program

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