Direct-Entry Residential Elevators Gaining Popularity in the U.S.

A symbol of privacy, exclusivity and efficiency, direct-entry elevators to transport residents straight to their homes in luxury towers are gaining popularity in the U.S., says the architect who pioneered the concept, Mansion Global reports. Robert M. Swedroe Architects Partner Joseph Swedroe observed the concept is “predicated on the idea of eliminating hallways for apartment access and implementing direct vertical access to every apartment.” The firm incorporated direct-entry elevators into the 26-story Bal Harbour Tower just north of Miami Beach, Florida, in 1990, and has since designed private-elevator buildings throughout Florida and in cities including Las Vegas and Washington, D.C. Direct-entry elevators are prevalent in Miami and NYC, but other U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles and Chicago, have been slower to embrace them — mainly due to complexity and expense. Swedroe told the source luxury purchasers are willing to pay a 12-15% premium for direct-entry elevator access, and integration of smart technologies “has made the elevators even more convenient and customizable.”