At 118 Years and Counting, We Rise by Lifting Others

Everyone in the elevator industry knows about the National Association of Elevator Contractor's (NAEC) Annual Convention. We look forward to its expert-lead educational sessions, cutting-edge technology that continues to shape our industry, and the networking that gives us a chance to catch up with our peers. This year we're especially excited as it comes to our backyard - McCormick Place, Chicago.

In the run up to the show, we were contacted by Elevator World Inc, the premier publisher for the global vertical transportation industry. They had plans to spotlight Chicagoland in the monthly edition that would be distributed at the NAEC show. We jumped at the chance since it's a natural fit!

Chicago's been our home for more than 118 years. In that time, we've made a conscious effort to not only provide quality elevator service but also give back to our community. As is so often said here, the elevator industry is a great trade and we are all fortunate to be a part of it. If we all give more than we get, it will always come back your way.

We hope you enjoy our most recent Elevator World article which ran in their August 2026 edition. 

Vote Colley Elevator for Elevator Worlds 2026 Best Contractor – North

We are excited to announce that we've been nominated for Elevator World's 2026 Best Contractor – North award once again.  This is the seventh year we've been nominated and a win would give us the title for a sixth time.  We believe Ellie belongs in the Chicagoland area, so please help it stay that way!  

Voting takes place 8/1/26 to 8/14/26. Click here and scroll to 'Best Contractor - North' to cast a vote for Colley.

For us at Colley Elevator who work tirelessly to be a different elevator company and do great things for our customers, let us know you support us fighting the good fight!

As always, our thanks to Elevator World for showcasing the best our industry has to offer.  We love participating in the competition! 

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

Traction Elevator Modernization - Hoffman Estates, IL

 

We completed a duplex traction modernization for a medical center in Hoffman Estates.  This building is an extremely busy place and began having failures that made their people movement challenging.  The building’s doctor group choose Colley Elevator to complete the modernization and it was a great project to be part of!

Existing elevator & project scope – The existing elevator equipment was Dover Elevator from the late 1980s.  This equipment was worked every day with the building’s busy schedule.  It was time!

New equipment providers

Controllers – Motion Control Engineering

Door operators – GAL MOVFR  

Fixtures – Innovation Industries

Machines – Imperial Gearless Machines

Machine room –  The new machine room layout opens up the space and a fresh coat of paint makes it look even better.  We had some low overhead challenges to contend with for hoisting.

[Old elevator machine room]

 

[New elevator machine room]

Elevator controller – It was time to retire the old Dover controllers and machines.  We installed MCE 4000 controllers to provide the building with a nonproprietary solid platform.   In the future any elevator company can work on the elevator controllers and have access to technical support and parts.

[Old Dover elevator controller]

[New Motion Control Engineering (MCE) elevator controller]

 Elevator fixtures – Innovation Industries fixtures replaced the Dover Impulse fixtures.

[Old Dover elevator hall fixtures] 

[New Innovation Industries elevator hall fixtures]

 

[Old Dover Elevator car station]

[New Innovation Industries elevator car station] 

Machines – We removed the old Dover geared machines and installed Imperial Gearless machines.  One of my favorite people in the elevator industry is Dennis Rhodes from Imperial and it is always great to work with him.

 

[New Imperial Electric gearless machines]

[New Imperial Electric gearless machines] 

Door operator & door equipment – We removed the Dover door operators and installed GAL MOVFRIIs.  The MOVFR II is the most popular nonproprietary door operator and the most common in the Chicago area market. 

 

[Old Dover Elevator door operator]

 

[New GAL MOVFR II door operator]

Visual and messaging (VAM) communication – The building has Rath visual communication with a new answering service.

 

[New Rath Microsystems visual communication]

Take away – We encourage building owners to take a proactive approach to equipment replacement. When equipment gets 20-30 years old, and a building’s expectations are that the elevators are to run reliably, it is a good idea to start planning for when it should be replaced.  This elevator ran for 40 years in a very heavy use environment.  The building relied on the elevators day in and day out to service their doctors and other professionals who were in the building.  No elevator, no doctor appointment.

Team work– The sales person and the project team who finishes, typically get the glory on a modernization project. In between the initial contract sale and the final acceptance are many other people who work on it to make it successful. From the truck driver to the engineer to the billing department to the assist when needed, 18 Colley Elevator employees where involved in the project and we had tremendous team work on it. Thank you everyone. Without you we would not have had such a successful delivery! Let’s not forget our great material supplier participation!

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

State of Illinois Fire Marshal Elevator Division 6/11/26 Meeting - Code Update

THE MEETING NOTES BELOW APPLY TO ELEVATORS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO

Overview

The biggest take away from the latest Elevator Safety Division meeting was the board voting to skip adoption of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 17.1 2022 code in favor of the more recent 2025 edition. Aside from the technical and logistical concerns of adopting one code and immediately working towards the next, the administrator mentioned the public safety benefit. 

Each iteration of the code incorporates lessons learned and improved safety requirements. A representative of codes and standards from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) strongly supported the 2025 adoption. He mentioned that early versions of the code addressed the riding public's safety, but more recent ones have included worker safety as well. 

Though most on the board were eager to shift focus to A17.1 2025, the discussions then moved to modifications. When the state moves to a new version of the code, the Elevator Safety Division is able to exclude or modify sections of it before the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) formally adopts it. A notable recent modification was the 5-year inspection requirement for fire alarm initiating devices (FAID).

The board voted to exclude the provisions for Remote Interface Operation (RIO) as well as Testing Enabled Devices (TED). The reason is that there is no rush to implement either, especially since they do not improve safety. Both items only serve as a convenience to larger elevator companies and add risk, even if the risk is relatively small. Another concern is that although the code dictates what can and cannot be controlled remotely, there is no verification mechanism to prove what is actually occurring. 

Comparing A17.1 2022 vs A17.1 2025

Below is a copy of the Office of the State Fire Marshal's comparison of key changes in the 2022 and 2025 codes. This list is not exhaustive and only highlights a group of changes that have been identified by the Administrator as possibly having a more noticeable impact.

A17.1 2025 – Door Lock Monitoring is still in play

During the meeting, the board detailed the four items that JCAR wanted addressed before they consider adopting the new code. It is likely that more data will be compiled before it is sent to JCAR for reconsideration, but an outline is included in the Elevator Safety Review Board's meeting agenda (appendix B, section 2).

Another prior concern had been the lack of clarity regarding how the 2022 code would treat existing elevators that already have DLM. A small technicality in the original language had the potential to cause multiple elevators to fail inspection, even if they had DLM and were code compliant. This has been addressed and should not be an issue once the code is adopted.

We know several Colley customers are anxiously awaiting the status of DLM's enforcement. Though the state may not officially adopt it for several months, it is highly unlikely that it will completely go away for the following reasons:

• DLM has been part of the safety code since the 1996 version, but became a retroactive requirement in the 2022 version. It is rare for items to become retroactive in the code which underscores the importance of it as a safety feature.
• Accidents that could have been prevented with DLM are not minor; they are catastrophic and usually fatal.
• There is no indication that DLM will be omitted in future versions of the code. 
• The technology exists to add DLM to a number of existing elevators as an overlay on the controller. NOTE - this option may not be available for all elevators, especially older models. It may also exceed the estimated cost given in the State Fire Marshal's Agenda Appendix B, section 2b. Always talk to your elevator contractor to see if an overlay or a full modernization is your best option. 

As the meeting progressed, the discussion turned to possible flexibility in becoming compliant with DLM. Several ideas and timeframes were mentioned, but in the end the board voted all elevators should comply 3 years after the state adopts the 2025 code. We will continue to keep Colley customers updated on its status.

Meeting take aways

The Elevator Safety Division understands there will be challenges to implementing all changes contained in the A17.1 2025 safety code, however they are dedicated to the safety of the riding public and industry professionals. 

We are still a ways away from an actual change as there is still a long bureaucratic process that the OSFM needs to restart. For now there is nothing for buildings to do besides prepare and understand what may be coming. Our recommendation is if you have an older elevator, or one that has equipment that is considered “obsolete”, begin budgeting for a modernization.  For newer equipment, or equipment that has been modernized in the last 20-30 years and is reliable and safe, hold tight for more OSFM/State of Illinois news.  

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

Hydraulic Elevator Modernization – Arlington Heights, IL

We had the opportunity to work with a great group of condominiums in Arlington Heights, IL on the last of 12 elevators in their complex to get modernized.  Over the past 20 years the buildings have done one elevator every year or two.  This was their final one.

Existing elevator & project scope – We replaced the elevator controller, fixtures, door operator, hydraulic power unit and cylinder.  The original package provider was ESCO and had all original equipment, less the valve which was changed 15-20 years ago.  This elevator had served the building well since 1971.

New equipment providers 

• Controllers – Alpha Elevator 
• Door operators – GAL MOVFR w/GAL car and hatch
• Fixtures – Innovation Industries
• Power unit – MEI w/Maxton valves
• Cylinder - ITI

Machine room –  The new machine room layout opens up the space and a fresh coat of paint makes it look even better.

[Old machine room layout]

[New machine room layout]

Elevator cylinder – The existing elevator had a single bottom, ESCO Elevator cylinder from 1971. We replaced it with a new ITI Hydraulik piston and cylinder.

[Old ESCO elevator cylinder]

 

[New ITI Hydraulik cylinder w/PVC protection]

Elevator controller – The existing elevator controller was an ESCO Elevator from 1971 with several types of relays.  These relays had become problematic and replacements were getting harder and harder to find. 

[Old ESCO relay logic elevator controller]

[New ALPHA solid state hydraulic elevator controller]

Elevator fixtures – We installed Innovation Industries hall and car fixtures to replace the original ESCO buttons. The new fixtures have emergency communication failure, visual communication, access, fireman’s recall phase I & II and position indicators in the car and at the 1^st floor landing. 

[Old ESCO elevator COP]

[Old ESCO elevator COP]

[New Innovation Industries COP - moved to strike jamb]

[Old ESCO hall push buttons]

[New Innovation Industries main floor hall station]

Hydraulic power unit – We removed the ESCO dry power unit and replaced it with a Canton submersible power unit. The older Maxton valve was replaced with a Maxton UC4 valve. Aside from being a new component, it has the added benefit of being accessible while standing up, instead of being near the ground.

[Old ESCO power unit with a Maxton valve retrofit]

[New Canton Elevator power unit with a Maxton Valve]

[New Maxton valve]

Door operator & door equipment – We replaced the GAL MOD door operators with GAL MOVFR IIs and the hatch equipment was replaced with new GAL equipment.  Besides the benefit of new equipment, the top of the car got a make over. What a difference in how it looks!!  Fresh! Clean!

[Old car top & GAL MOD door operator]

[New car top & GAL MOVFR II door operator]

Visual and messaging (VAM) communication - The building gave us an internet line to the elevator's machine room and we used Towne Answering service for emergency communication. They do a great job for us answering our elevator emergency phone and visual calls. After the project was completed, we passed inspection with flying colors.

[Visual communications by K TECH and answered by Towne]

Take away – We encourage building owners to take a proactive approach to equipment replacement. When equipment gets 20-30 years old, and a building’s expectations are that the elevators are to run reliably, it is a good idea to start planning for when it should be replaced.  This elevator ran for 55 years and had some hiccups along the way, but all in all was a good running elevator for a majority of its career.  We ran a little close to the sun on this one but we made it.

Team work– The sales person and the project team who finishes, typically get the glory on a modernization project. In between the initial contract sale and the final acceptance are many other people who work on it to make it successful. From the truck driver to the engineer to the billing department to the assist when needed, 16 Colley Elevator employees where involved in the project and we had tremendous team work on it. Thank you everyone. Without you we would not have had such a successful delivery! Let’s not forget our great material supplier participation!

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.

Elevator 101 – Morton Grove, IL – CAMICB And CAM Approved Course

 

On April 14th, we hosted another Elevator 101 class at Moretti's in Morton Grove, IL. The class, which is approved for continuing education credit, was attended by approximately 30 people from various property management firms, local fire departments and municipalities. 

One of the primary topics discussed was the status of the A17.1 2022 code adoption by the state. Since we've been alerting our customers since 2024, keeping them aware of changes is important. We discussed items from the last Elevator Safety Division meeting as well as a recent letter from the State Fire Marshal's Office. Spoiler alert - the adoption of the code by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) is on hold pending further investigation and reporting by the Elevator Safety Division. 

Other items our Elevator 101 class highlights are:

• Types of elevators
• Governing codes & certification requirements
• Common elevator violations
• Fireman's service exercise & hoist way access
• Testing requirements
• Obsolete equipment
• Maintenance agreements
• Modernization projects

The goal of the class is to help property managers understand what is behind the elevator industry's curtain as it can sometimes be confusing, not well explained, and expensive. We want our property managers to have the ability to explain to their buildings common elevator questions, code issues and help plan for capital expenditures. After the class, they aren't experts but will have better questions to ask and become more proactive with elevator service providers. A better educated property manager is a better building advocate and a better customer.

Elevator 101 is approved by Community Association Managers International Certification Board (CAMICB) to fulfill continuing education requirements for the CMCA® certification. It is also approved through the IL Dept of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for CAM (Community Association Manager) license continuing education credits. This course is approved for 1 hour for either certification.

 If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

State of Illinois Fire Marshal Elevator Division - 4/9/26 Meeting - Door Lock Monitoring - DLM A17.1 2022 Adoption

State Update

1/1/26 to 4/7/26

Permits – 202

Licensing – 165

New registered elevators – 47

Certificates – 2625

Residential elevators – The meeting began with a statement from the Elevator Safety Division Manager John Andersen. It is his opinion that residential elevators that are in commercial settings are unsafe.  If there are concerns, they should be addressed using the OSFM complaint form.

Robots  - The second item addressed by the Division was the topic of robots using elevators within the State of Illinois. A vote was finally conducted on allowing “concierge robots”.  These are robots that are used in hotels and medical facilities to deliver things. 

The two relevant items brought up were code requirements for elevator interaction, specifically as they pertain to the following sections of the code:

Cyber Security - 8.14 

Remote Interaction Operation - 2.26.13

The Board voted to allow robot interaction – 9-2 in favor.

[In a galaxy far away a long time ago, the Empire approved use of robots of the Deathstar]

The Board then approved IUEC continuing education unanimously. 

A17.1 2022 Code Update – Door Lock Monitoring

JCAR(Joint Committee Administrative Rules) had concerns late in the code approval process and ultimately objected because the economic and budgetary affects had not been considered.  There were  several comments submitted from different organizations, such as universities and lobby groups, which raised concerns about the cost and logistics of implementation. In the end, the Elevator Safety Division withdrew the proposed update. The Division needs to provide more information to JCAR to address those late comments before moving forward.  

One of the primary concerns raised was the lack of clarity regarding how the 2022 code would treat existing elevators with existing DLM. As originally written, even elevators with DLM that satisfies the current code could potentially fail inspections due to a technicality. 

As a side note, the OSFM indicated the delay may be a good opportunity to jump to the A17.1 2025 code instead of having multiple quick code adoptions in a row.  This would be helpful for contractors to have one code that will be in effect for many years. 

JCAR has requested the following 4 items from OSFM to begin moving forward again with code adoption:

1. Magnitude of safety concerns if an elevator lacks DLM

2. Cost burdens

3. How many elevators in the state are affected

4. Could there be additional flexibility phasing in the requirement

Administrator John Andersen responded point by point to the board with the following:

1.     DLM was initially adopted in the 1996 code as a result of fatal accidents in NYC. Currently there are 10,000 accidents a year – mostly by doors - and 27 people die per year. Nine States and AHJs (Authority Having Jurisdictions) have adopted the DLM rules in the 2022 code and retroactive rules. The OSFM fully supports the rules and recommends all non-DLM elevators get DLM.

2.     Costs are estimated between $10k to 25K. Note that this is for a modification of existing equipment and not to install new. It is also an estimate from the OSFM, not from Colley Elevator or a specific elevator contractor. Actual cost will depend on many factors including the age and type of conveyance. 

3.     Currently it is difficult to state how many elevators will be affected by the lack of DLM. JCAR asked for number of pre-1996 elevators and 14,000 are listed as installed prior to that. However, OSFM needs to do additional work as many could have been modernized since their original installation. They have reached out to municipalities for permit information and will be reviewing that data.

4.     OSFM will be working internally to try to arrange a compromise after getting feedback. The Elevator Safety Division understands there will be challenges to implementing the change and are reviewing ways to potentially minimize the negative effects. 

A17.1 2022 State of Illinois Code Update Take Away – We are a ways away from changing codes; there is a long procedural process that the OSFM needs to begin. Additionally, OSFM did raise the possibility about skipping over the 2022 code and moving to the 2025 code instead.  Nothing for buildings to do besides prepare and understand what may be coming their way.  

My suggestion for buildings is that if you have an older elevator, or if you have an elevator that has equipment that is considered “obsolete”, begin planning for a replacement.  For newer buildings, or buildings that have modernized in the last 20-30 years[assuming your elevator is reliable and safe], hold tight for more OSFM/State of Illinois news.  

If you have any questions or would like additional information feel free to contact me at CraigZ@colleyelevator.com or 630-766-7230 ext. 107.

Also check us out on Instagram @Colleyelevator see what we have been up to.