Elevator World

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

NAEC CONVENTION RESCHEDULED

The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) 68th Annual Convention & 2017 Exposition has been rescheduled for the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on September 22-26, with exhibitions open on the 25th and 26th. NAEC has received thousands of emails in the past week in light of Hurricane Irma hitting Florida and beyond, and wants those who registered to tell it whether they will attend at email. For those planning to attend, registration will be transferred. NAEC’s finance committee is working on putting together refund options for those unable to attend due to their homes and businesses being affected by the storm.

NEW CTBUH STUDY REVEALS ELEVATOR IMPACTS, SHIFTS

The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has released new research into the ways improvements in elevator speeds have affected the urban environment. Part of its "Tall Buildings in Numbers" series, the two-page study "Vertical Transport: Ascent & Acceleration" defines the fastest and longest elevator runs, and shows a strong correlation between the increase in elevator speeds and skyscraper heights. A collaboration with the Guinness Book of World Records to identify the commercial building with the fastest and longest elevators, the study certified Shanghai Tower in Shanghai as the record holder of both categories. Archinect explained that while "rapid urbanization has been met with a desire for ambitious 'super-tall' skyscrapers" in China, the Middle East has also become a center for future megatall skyscrapers.

DRAMATICALLY TAPERED MANILA LANDMARK INSPIRED BY NATURE

What inhabitat describes as a new landmark for the Bonifacio Global City business district of Manila, Philippines, features a glassy, dramatically tapered design by Henning Larsen Architects inspired by nature and Filipino tradition. No construction timeframe was given but, if built, the structure would stand 308 m tall, or, roughly 90 stories. It would contain offices, restaurants, a civic center, exhibition space and an observatory at the top. Henning Larsen, in collaboration with landscape architects SLA and BuroHappold Engineering, won an international design competition with a plan that maximizes natural light, boasts a densely vegetated public plaza and has trees growing inside the structure.

DEATH IN TORONTO ELEVATOR SHAFT

A male died and a second person was injured following what CTV News Toronto is calling “an industrial accident in the elevator shaft” of a downtown Toronto building on the morning of September 8. The incident took place inside a building located near St. George and Russell streets at around 10 a.m. While circumstances surrounding it were not immediately clear, paramedics say the male was pronounced dead at the scene, and the second victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.

THREE-TOWER PROJECT RISING ON NYC’S UPPER WEST SIDE

Photographs on the New York YIMBY website show the three-tower Waterline Square residential development rising on New York City’s (NYC) Upper West Side. General Investment and Development is behind the project, which features structures designed by three architects — Rafael Viñoly, Kohn Pedersen Fox, and Richard Meier — ranging between 34 and 38 floors. The tallest will rise to 478 ft. Situated in the neighborhood’s southwestern blocks, the buildings will contain approximately 1,130 units and are expected to be complete by 2019.

Image courtesy archinect.com:

https://archinect.com/news/article/150026760/how-the-speed-of-elevators-impacts-our-urban-environment

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NEII ANNOUNCES PERSONNEL MOVES

The National Elevator Industry, Inc. (NEII®) announced hires and promotions aimed at increasing industry influence in the code, regulatory and legislative arenas. Kevin Brinkman has been promoted from consultant to vice president of Codes and Safety, where he will continue to develop and adopt model elevator and escalator codes. Amy J. Blankenbiller has been promoted from consultant for to vice president of Government Affairs, responsible for leading the association's legislative and regulatory efforts. Rounding out a team that also includes Director of Communications Nicole Van Velzen and Director of Government Affairs Dylan Isenberg is Megan Hensley, who provides research support to the Codes and Safety, Government Affairs and Communications departments.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT TO REOPEN WITH NEW ELEVATOR IN 2019

The elevator system in the 555-ft.-tall Washington Monument in Washington, D.C., which operates year round for eight hours a day when operable, is being replaced as part of a US$10.8-million refurbishment project, various news outlets, including The Washington Post, report. The monument, which has struggled with frequent elevator malfunctions, is set to reopen in spring 2019 after being closed since 2016. Philanthropist David M. Rubenstein is covering the US$3-million elevator-replacement cost. Work underway now also includes a new visitor screening area. The National Park Service awarded contracts for both the elevator system and screening area to Grunley Construction of Rockville, Maryland.

57-STORY TOWER AT HALFWAY POINT NEAR NYC WATERFRONT

One Seaport, a 57-story, 670-ft.-tall tower in New York City’s (NYC) booming Financial District, is close to the halfway point in height, and some of its glass cladding is being installed, New York YIMBY reports. Located at 161 Maiden Lane near the waterfront, the structure is set to include 80 large residential units within 192,473 sq. ft. Fortis Property Group is the developer and Hill West Architects is the designer of One Seaport, scheduled to open by 2018.

INDONESIA EXPO ANNOUNCED

The third Indonesia Lift & Escalator Expo has been scheduled for July 11-13 at the Jakarta International Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia. More than 10,000 visitors and more than 300 exhibitors are expected to attend and participate in seminars, workshops, a conference, and technical and product presentations. Dubbed “Southeast Asia’s largest international expo for lift, escalator and buildings transportation system,” it is taking place in conjunction with the third Indonesia Building Mechanical & Electrical Expo, which includes smart building, and building automation and services. For more information, contact organizer Wahyu Promo Citra via phone: (62) 21-7892938, fax: (62) 21-7890647 or email, or visit website.

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

ELEVATOR PREPARATION FOR HARSH WEATHER

Schindler has provided the industry with a harsh-weather plan, including recommendations on how to protect elevator equipment and occupants in the event of harsh weather conditions. The safety guidelines provided by Schindler are available at website and are applicable for hurricanes.

 

KONE WINS LARGE ORDER FOR WANBO CITY PROJECT

KONE has won an order to supply 112 elevators and escalators to Guangzhou Panyu Guangsheng Wanbo City, a mixed-use development in the Wanbo Central Business District that will include commercial, office, hotel and residential space. It will install 26 MonoSpace® and 38 MiniSpace® elevators, which can reach travel speeds of up to 6 mps. The order also includes 48 KONE TravelMaster™ escalators. Guangzhou Panyu Guangsheng Wanbo City is being developed by Guangzhou Wau Shun Investment Management Co., Ltd. The designer is the Architectural Design and Research Institute of Guangdong Province, and the project is being built by China Construction Second Engineering Bureau, Ltd. Completion is scheduled for 2020.

 

ALIMAK CFO PER EKSTEDT STEPPING DOWN

Alimak Group AB Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Per Ekstedt is stepping down from his position for extended sick leave, but will remain with the Stockholm, Sweden company. Chief Operating Officer Stefan Rinaldo, who previously served as CFO, has taken the position on a temporary basis until a permanent replacement is found. In a September 6 statement, Ekstedt said, “The work has been very rewarding and interesting during a period characterized by strong growth. However, my health has gradually deteriorated, and I have, therefore, concluded that this decision is the best solution for all parties.” The company said the search for a successor would commence "immediately." Alimak Group is a leading maker of rack-and-pinion and traction industrial elevators and construction hoists.

 

WITTUR SPONSORING INTERLIFT CUBE

Wittur Group has announced its sponsorship of the Cube pavilion of Interlift, taking place in Augsburg, Germany, on October 16-20. The manufacturer will exhibit its elevator components, modernization packages and special complete systems in the 1,500-m² Wittur Cube. The company intends to showcase the integration that has followed its acquisition of Sematic two years ago. Innovation, including digitization, the Internet of Things, augmented reality and cloud connectivity will be another topic. Other draws include the machine-room-less, central-guided passenger elevator ONYX and a space dedicated to “talent attraction,” with Wittur human-resource representatives on hand.

 

INELEX 2018 SCHEDULED

The next INELEX will be held at the INELEX Izmir International Fair in Izmir, Turkey, on April 26-28, 2018. Dubbed the “11th elevator and elevator technologies exposition,” it is to feature more than 150 exhibitors. Organizer Efor Fair Organization is expecting thousands of visitors from at least 44 countries. For more information, visit website.

Image courtesy of Global News Wire:

http://inpublic.globenewswire.com/releaseDetails.faces?rId=2131643

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

NAEC KEEPING CLOSE WATCH ON HURRICANE IRMA

The National Association of Elevator Contractors (NAEC) is keeping an eye on Hurricane Irma, which could directly impact the Orlando region early next week — just as the NAEC 68th Annual Convention & 2017 Exposition is scheduled to get underway. As of Wednesday morning, the National Hurricane Center reported that southern Florida could be hit by Irma early Sunday morning, with the storm raking the state's Atlantic Coast. Based on that projection, the center of Irma could be just off the coast of central Florida on Monday morning, which is scheduled to be the first day of the event. As NAEC noted, hurricane paths are difficult to predict, so the organization was both watching the official advisories, and consulting with Orlando city officials and the Orange County Convention Center. As of Wednesday morning, NAEC still planned to open the convention Monday morning as scheduled, but those planning to attend should monitor the convention website for updated information.

TEI WINS CONTRACTS FOR FOUR NYC PROJECTS

TEI Group recently received contracts for elevator installations at four projects in New York City (NYC). TEI won a job with LendLease to install three overhead gearless passenger elevators and two hydraulic elevators at a 33-story, 180-unit residential building at 1865 Broadway. It is being developed by AvalonBay, and the architect is Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The second contract, with Dematteis Construction, calls for five overhead geared traction elevators at a new, five-story inpatient residential building at South Beach Psychiatric Center in Staten Island. The building will sit on nine acres at the center’s grounds, and will replace multiple obsolete residential buildings. The third job calls for TEI, with Turner Construction Corp., to install four overhead machine-room-less elevators and one custom wheelchair lift, and to modernize one geared traction elevator in a six-story building at 601 Lexington Avenue. For the fourth project, TEI was awarded a contract with Tishman Construction Corp. to install three overhead geared passenger elevators for Pace Gallery's new home, an eight-story gallery and office building at 534-540 West 25th Street, in the Chelsea Arts District being built by Weinberg Properties.

DEVELOPMENT BRINGING 300-PLUS RESIDENCES TO CONEY ISLAND

A 21-story, 432,000-sq.-ft. development at 3514 Surf Avenue in Coney Island, New York, promises to bring 311 residential units plus retail and parking to the area, New York YIMBY reports. A rendering shows a contemporary glass building with white trim in three massings, two of which will stand 21 stories and 185 ft. Red Apple Group is the developer, and Hill West Architects is the designer. Retail will span 22,513 sq. ft. on the ground level, with parking on the cellar through second floors. A completion date has not been announced, but construction trucks are onsite.

EIGHT INJURED IN COURT LIFT MALFUNCTION IN INDIA

Eight people, including lawyers, were injured on September 4 as the result of a lift malfunction at the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Lucknow, India, The Weekend Leader reports. The lift, installed approximately two years ago, fell from the fourth floor. Security personnel and other staff had to pry open the doors to release entrapped passengers, who were then transported to a hospital. One of the people was in critical condition. The incident is under investigation, but witnesses said it could have been due to overloading.

Image via Google Maps

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

ALIMAK CONSTRUCTION HOIST IN NYC IS WORLD’S LARGEST

A hoist system used recently in construction of the Langone Kimmel Pavilion hospital expansion at New York University in New York City (NYC) included the world’s largest construction hoist, Alimak Hek’s Mammoth Triplex. With 27,225 lb. of lifting capacity and more than three times the floor area of other large hoists, Mammoth Triplex is the most advanced system Alimak Hek has installed to date. At the NYC site, where space was limited, Mammoth Triplex was joined by a pair of Alimak Scando 650 FC-S high-speed construction hoists for personnel and an Alimak Scando TM 60/55 FC for personnel and materials. The system was honored with an International Awards for Powered Access (IAPA) Product of the Year award during a gala in London in April, with IAPA describing it as “a fantastic three-in-one product” that represents “very impressive engineering.”

 

TRIO OF LUXURY CONDO TOWERS FOR MIAMI’S COCONUT GROVE

dezeen has revealed renderings of Park Grove, a trio of 20-story luxury condominium towers for Miami's Coconut Grove, showing curvaceous footprints and elegant interiors by New York studio Meyer Davis. Terra Group and Related Group are the developers of the under-construction towers that will range from 256 to 294 ft. tall. Two of the towers are peanut-shaped and the other is cylindrical, with OMA stating it drew inspiration from the "unique landscape in which [the towers] stand." There will be approximately 1 million sq. ft. of living space spread over the towers, along with amenities such as swimming pools, a wine cellar and generous balconies with ocean views.

 

AIRPORT EXPANSION AT INDIA-PAKISTAN BORDER INCLUDES VT

An expansion of the Jammu airport (Jammu Civil Enclave), a military/public facility in Jammu, India, approximately 8 mi. from the Pakistan border, includes vertical transportation (VT), the DailyExcelsior reports. Three escalators (two for departures and one for arrivals) and three elevators (one each for departures, security holds and arrivals) were installed as part of a larger project that more than doubles the size and capacity of the terminal to 14,500 m2 and 720 passengers per hour, respectively. The project, which also includes enhanced security and additional parking, was inaugurated in August in a ceremony attended by top aviation officials.

 

TECHNICIAN RESCUED FROM UNDER ELEVATOR IN CANADA

Ottawa, Canada, firefighters cut two holes in an elevator shaft and used a rope to rescue a technician who was trapped under a unit on September 1, CBC News Ottawa reports. The 38-year-old man was transported to a hospital, where he was in serious, but stable condition, having suffered injuries to his chest and leg. The incident occurred in the Ottawa suburb of Orléans. The Ontario Ministry of Labor is investigating.

Image: Scott Stilborn/Ottawa Fire Services

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/man-pinned-under-elevator-orleans-1.4271807

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

ELEVATORS PART OF MONTREAL TRANSIT SYSTEM PLAN

Société de transport de Montréal (STM) revised its 2025 strategic plan to add 21 metro elevators by 2022, bringing the total to 31, the Montreal Gazette reports. By 2025, STM aims to have 41 elevators. STM CEO Luc Tremblay said the revisions, which emphasize accessibility and customer satisfaction, came after a yearlong consultation with approximately 7,000 STM employees. STM, which has been governed since June 1 by Autorité régionale de transport métropolitain, has received CAD$8 billion to make improvements that include new escalators and reconstruction of the Complexe Crémazi multipurpose maintenance building.

40-STORY RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN HONOLULU CELEBRATES HAWAII

Ae'o, a 40-story residential tower being developed by The Howard Hughes Corp. in Honolulu's Kaka'ako neighborhood, boasts a design by Seattle's Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BCJ) inspired by Hawaii's natural beauty, Architect's Newspaper reports. Scheduled for completion in 2018, the property's 466 units, seventh-floor amenity level and sky terrace are configured to make the most of ocean and mountain views, and its glass façade has 3D "wings" to represent wind-swept waves. Ae'o will sit atop a podium containing a Whole Foods Market, and is part of the larger, 3.6-acre Ward Village development.

STYLISH TOWER FOR EMERGING LOWER MANHATTAN NEIGHBORHOOD

Excavation has started for a 27-story, 337-ft.-tall residential tower at 111 Varick Street in the newly coined Hudson Square neighborhood south of Hudson Yards in Lower Manhattan, New York, New York YIMBY reports. No completion date has been announced for the structure, designed by S9 Architects with an angled, glassy façade for Madigan Development. It is set to contain approximately 100 residential units and ground-level retail. 111 Varick would join at least two other new buildings planned in the area, which developers hope will transition from heavy Holland Tunnel traffic to a place people want to call home.

STREAMLINED DESIGN FOR MIXED-USE TOWER IN L.A.

2900 Wilshire, a 23-story mixed-use tower planned in Los Angeles' Koreatown, has a new, streamlined profile, with updated renderings showing a curvy structure accented by deep balconies, Architect's Newspaper reports. It is set to have 644 apartments and 13,000 sq. ft. of ground-level commercial space, as well as a parking podium with a swimming pool. Large Architecture, Jamison Services and Hankey Capital are behind the project, planned on a site opposite Lafayette Park. A timeline has not yet been announced.

Image courtesy of pixabay.com via AlexVan:

https://pixabay.com/en/montreal-city-urban-night-lights-247795/

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

PHILIPPINES: PROJECTS KICKED OFF, ANNOUNCED

Montage will "soon rise in the heart of Cebu City," the Cebu Daily News writes in a report on tall office buildings set for the Philippines. Costing PHP7 billion (US$136.6 million) and spanning three towers, the project from local developer Innoland Development Corp. is also touted as "an iconic hub.” One Montage, the first tower, will rise 28 floors and be turned over in the first quarter of 2019. Eight sets of escalators with a common elevator for all floors, five low-zone elevators, six high-zone elevators, two retail passenger elevators and one service elevator will move people around its total leasable space of 45,000 m2. In Makati City, Innoland will build a 45-floor building called “Altaire” with PHP6 billion (US$117 million). This tower will have nearly 60,000 m2 of leasable area and is estimated to be completed in 2021.

 

FIRST SUPERTALL IN BROOKLYN POISED TO RISE

Excavation is underway to make way for the first supertall outside Manhattan, 9 DeKalb Avenue in downtown Brooklyn, as JDS Development and the Chetrit Group look toward a 2021 completion, New York YIMBY reports. SHoP Architects designed the tower, which will stand 1,066 ft. tall and contain approximately 500, relatively affordable apartments and ground-level retail. Formerly known as 340 Flatbush Avenue Ext., the project includes restoration of the historic Dime Savings Bank building, which will be incorporated into the base. The building itself resembles an elongated, skinny crystal.

 

STUDIO GANG-DESIGNED APARTMENT TOWER TOPS OUT IN CHICAGO

Solstice on the Park, a 26-story apartment tower designed by Studio Gang in Chicago's Hyde Park, has topped out, Curbed Chicago reports. The project took approximately a decade to come to fruition, ending up as a 250-unit structure with a 300-space parking garage that will be shared with a neighboring property. Its angled, glass façade features panels alternating between vertical and a 72˚ angle, mimicking the position of the sun during the summer solstice. Developed by MAC Properties, Solstice on the Park joins two other Studio Gang-designed buildings in Hyde Park. Residents are expected to start moving in sometime in 2018.

 

EW OFFICES CLOSED FOR LABOR DAY

The offices of Elevator World, Inc., will be closed for the Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 4. They will reopen on Tuesday, September 5.

Image via SHoP Architects:

http://newyorkyimby.com/2017/08/9-dekalb-avenue-gets-ready-to-rise-in-downtown-brooklyn.html

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

STYLISH MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT FOR DOWNTOWN DETROIT

A mixed-use development that includes a 35-story office and 26-story residential tower on either end of a 1.25-ha area overlooking downtown Detroit's historic Theater District is planned, dezeen reports. Monroe Blocks, also set to have three residential buildings ranging from six to 15 stories, represents Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen's (SHL) first U.S. project. SHL is working with local architect Neumann Smith and engineer Buro Happold, and observes the project was designed with the public in mind, with 4,400 m2 set aside for public space. Bedrock Detroit is the developer. Work is expected to begin in 2018 and be complete in early 2022.

EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR 2018: ONLY ONE MONTH LEFT

The deadline for submissions for the ELEVATOR WORLD Project of the Year Awards 2018 is September 30. The contest recognizes excellence in vertical, horizontal and inclined transportation. Winners in each of nine categories, “Elevators, New Construction”; “Elevators, Modernization”; “Escalators, New Construction”; “Escalators, Modernization”; “Moving Walks”; “Inclined Elevators”; “Platform Lifts & Stairway Chairlifts”; “Private-Residence Elevators”; and “Special-Purpose Lifts,” will receive an award and be recognized in a feature story in the January 2018 issue. The contest is open for projects that have been completed within the past two years, and both text and photos must be submitted, along with a completed entry form, via electronic file sharing, or a mailed disc and/or flash drive. To simplify the process, hard copies are no longer required. To download the form and obtain more information, visit www.elevatorworld.com/poy.

“WEDDING CAKE”-STYLE RESIDENTIAL TOWER FOR NYC’S FIDI

A 54-story, 710-ft.-tall tower at 23 Park Row with retail on the lower floors and residences above will complement the style of the historic Municipal and Woolworth buildings nearby with a "wedding cake" limestone façade by COOKFOX Architects, New York YIMBY reports. Located on the northern edge of the Financial District (FiDi) of New York City (NYC), the building promises to become a prominent neighborhood landmark once completed by 2021. Foundation work is now underway. L&M Development Partners and the founders of J&R Music Store are behind the plan, bordering the construction site for the 25-story, mixed-use 1 Beekman.

JAKARTA ELEVATOR ACCIDENT KILLS 18 YEAR OLD

An 18-year-old man was killed in an elevator accident in an office building at Jalan Raya Kembangan, South Kembangan, West Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 26, Neutral English reported. Police said the victim insisted on using the elevator (despite warnings) to go up to the second floor, though it was intended only for goods and equipment. They said once he arrived on the second floor, his friend pressed a downward call button, and as the elevator returned, the victim was pinned on the second floor with neck injuries that caused his death.

DONATIONS FUND ELEVATOR WORK AT ILLINOIS HOMELESS SHELTER

Dream Center, a faith-based homeless shelter providing social services to low-income individuals in Peoria, Illinois, received donations totaling US$355,000 that are allowing it to repair a pair of 64-year-old elevators that serve the eight-story building, the Journal Star reports. Most shelter programs, such as transitional housing, are located on the higher floors, meaning people had to climb stairs due to the elevators being out of service. Hearing of Dream Center’s plight, two donors presented the agency with US$150,000 checks.

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

CANADA’S SAVARIA AGREES TO PURCHASE COLORADO COMPANY

Savaria Corp., headquartered in Laval, Canada, announced it has agreed to acquire the assets of Visilift, LLC, a manufacturer of panoramic lifts for the residential market headquartered in Eaton, Colorado. The purchase price is US$5 million, with US$3.5 million payable immediately and the remainder upon meeting certain conditions, such as transferring production to Savaria facilities in Brampton, Canada. Savaria Chairman and CEO Marcel Bourassa praised the Visilift team for developing a “unique, round, glass elevator” that will have appeal in Savaria’s North American and Asian markets. Savaria has hired three engineers to further support the initiative.

 

HUDSON YARDS OFFICE TOWER TOPS OUT AT 51 FLOORS IN NYC

Activity is brisk at Related’s Hudson Yards in New York City’s (NYC) Midtown West, New York YIMBY reports, with the 55 Hudson Yards office tower topping out at 51 stories and 780 ft. on August 22, within one day of a new, 300 -m-tall tower being announced. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and developed by Related with Oxford Properties Group, 55 Hudson Yards will contain more than 1.2 million sq. ft., including ground-level retail. Several prominent law firms have already secured leases. Completion is anticipated in 2018.

 

CONSTRUCTION DEATH IN TORONTO ELEVATOR

A man died after an elevator accident at a building under construction in midtown Toronto on August 25, CBC News reported. The man, whose age was not given, was working on the elevator at a jobsite around St. Clair Avenue West and Oriole Road “when it fell on top of him,” police reported. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Ontario Ministry of Labour has been notified and will be investigating the incident.

 

700-PLUS HOMES PLANNED AT MANCHESTER’S ANGEL MEADOW

A Far East Consortium-backed plan for approximately 750 homes within four buildings of up to 40 stories has been approved by the Manchester City Council on a site adjacent to Angel Meadow Park in Manchester, U.K., The Architects' Journal reported. It is part of the larger, mixed-used NOMA neighborhood masterplan. Designed by 5plus Architects, the plan also includes 22- and 17-story towers and a low to midrise building on Mount Street. According to 5plus, the design "gives everything back to the street" and features active, open space between buildings. Construction is expected to start in early 2018.

Photo: Barry Smith/CBC

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/st-clair-elevator-accident-1.4262544

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

ITI HIRES LEADER FOR WESTERN U.S.

ITI Hydraulik has hired Paul Smyth as Western Operations manager in the Midwest and West. Smyth will have management responsibility for ITI’s site expansion at an undisclosed location in the West. Once the site is established, he will serve as site leader. Smyth has served in various progressive roles at MEI-Total Elevator Solutions in mid- and executive-level positions, all within Manufacturing and Engineering operations. He holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Kansas State University.

BEIJING’S TALLEST WITH CITY’S FASTEST ELEVATORS TOPS OUT

The 108-story, 528-m-tall office building China Zun Tower has structurally topped out in Beijing, the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat reports. It will be the tallest building in Beijing with the city's fastest elevators, provided by KONE, reaching a top speed of 10 mps. The slightly concave structure was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and engineered to withstand an 8.0-magnitude earthquake. Developed by CITIC's real-estate arm, the skyscraper will anchor a new, 30-ha central business district and serve as headquarters for CITIC Group and CITIC Bank. An official opening is anticipated in March 2019.

IN MEMORIAM: ALAN JENSEN

Alan Jensen of Fairview, Tennessee, passed away on August 24 at the age of 56. He was owner and founder of HomeLift, Inc., which has provided home and commercial elevator and accessibility products to customers in Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky and Mississippi since 1986. Originally from Georgia, Jensen lived in the Leiper's Fork area with his wife Kim, which whom he had three adult children. A celebration of his life was held on August 27 in Franklin, Tennessee. He and his wife were members of Belmont Church in Nashville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the nonprofits Christian Leadership Concepts and Tucker’s House.

FIRE HURTS WORKERS REFINISHING NYC ELEVATOR

Three workers refinishing an elevator in a building on New York City's (NYC) Upper East Side neighborhood were hurt on August 24 when a flash fire erupted, fire department officials told NBC 4 New York. FDNY said the workers were using acetone when something ignited the volatile chemical. All three suffered second-degree burns on their hands and arms, officials said. Only two required hospitalization.

Image courtesy of CITIC HEYE Investment CO LTD via CTBUH:

https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/china-zun-tower/11116

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