Traction Elevator Modernization – Palatine, IL

 

We got a call from the property manager who manages the tallest building in Palatine. He was ready to consider modernizing their elevators and since we had worked with this property management firm at other locations, it was great to be considered.  We were also very excited to get this opportunity to improve the building's vertical transportation performance and reliability.  

After a thoughtful bid process, we where awarded the contract.  The building was built in the 1960s/early 1970s and had already been modernized once with MCE controls 24 years ago.  The MCE controls where at their end of life and had reliability issues as well as obsolescence issues with their motion control device.  The building had many issues with the existing equipment, half from being at the end of  its life cycle and the other half suffering from a deferred maintenance program. 

Existing elevator & project scope – We replaced the elevator controller, machines, governors, fixtures and door operators. 

New equipment providers

Controllers – Motion Control Engineering

Machines – Hollister Whitney

Door operators – GAL w/Westinghouse door equipment

Fixtures – Innovation Industries

Roller guides - ELSCO

Visual communication - Rath w/Towne answering service

Cables - CED Efengee 

Elevator controller – The existing controller was a Motion Control Engineering controller with motor generators.  We installed Motion Control Engineering's elevator controls with a KEB F5 motor drive.

 

[Existing MCE traction controller]

 

[New MCE traction controller]

Elevator fixtures – The existing hall fixtures were a mix between the older Westinghouse and newer[20+ years] Adam's car fixtures.  

 

[Existing Adams Elevator car station]

 

[New Innovation Industries car station]

Elevator traction machine – We removed the existing Westinghouse Elevator machines and installed new Hollister Whitney traction elevator machines and Rope Grippers.

 

[Existing worn Westinghouse machines & generators]

 

[Beautiful new machine room layout]

[New Hollister Whitney GT machines]

Machine room[see above] – The machine room and the overall elevator system had been neglected and had a lot of deferred maintenance.

High rise requirement – After 75' of rise, we needed to put an elevator lobby panel and visual communication panel in the lobby of the building. 

[Innovation panel & Rath visual panel]

Door operators– The existing door operators were replaced 10 years ago but where in very poor condition for their age. The project team gave the car top a big upgrade and a great look. 

[Worn car top and door operator]

[Fresh new car top and GAL MOVFR operator]

Take away – This was the building’s second elevator modernization; both were with MCE control systems.  Our reality is that obsolescence creeps up on buildings with 20+ year old equipment and there needs to be choices made.  It's not IF we need to modernize but WHEN we need to modernize and how much hardship the building will go through before.  A big thing for buildings is to plan your major capital expenses, one of which is elevator modernization.  Ask your elevator company today!

Team work– The sales person and the project team who finishes typically gets the glory on a project.  In between the initial contract sale and the final acceptance are many other people who work on the project 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!  Thanks for your hustle and help!  While things are evolving in the elevator world, it is great to work with some legends in the elevator business.

Finishing touches – The project team did a great job on the finishing touches to this project.  Machine room painted, car tops cleaned and elevator pits painted.  Love seeing this!

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.