Our teams are modernizing elevators at 500 Fifth Avenue – an historic art deco building in the center of New York City. We're delivering 21st-century technology to 20th-century glamour.
Stepping through the revolving doors of 500 Fifth Avenue is like taking a step back in time. The lobby, with its marble and brass and art deco flourishes, gives away the building’s history. Like the emblematic Empire State Building, located just nine blocks away, this skyscraper was constructed between 1930 and 1931.
A total of 18 elevators serve the building’s 60 floors, welcoming 1, 850 people to work each day. As part of a comprehensive modernization, all passenger and freight elevators have been upgraded and equipped with the Schindler PORT transit management system.
The office space is leased by real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield. Property Manager David Leest says: "The elevators are a major factor in determining whether our tenants are satisfied. Their employees want to reach their office floors safely and quickly – without having to wait in line for a long time. Plenty of companies can install elevators, but ensuring they operate effectively and are safe – that’s certainly not something every firm can do. Schindler has smart employees and delivers leading technology. And if, from time to time, something is not quite perfect, Schindler offers exceptional support."
Commenting on this complex undertaking, our Modernization Foreman Eric Boland explains: "Old buildings like this one are demanding, because you never know exactly what awaits you – and there are space limitations."
To add to the complexity, modernization projects are carried out in buildings while they’re still fully operational, meaning that any disruption must be kept to a minimum. "Working both safely and efficiently is vital. This motivates my team to deliver the best possible results for our customer," Eric explains.
The modernized vertical mobility systems deliver just what the project needed – a state-of-the-art upgrade that’s in keeping with the building’s stunning art deco décor.