Prudential Tower

Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.

Elevators, Modernization

submitted by Schindler Elevator Corp.

Introduction

The Prudential Tower in Boston is one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers and its second-tallest building. The tower features more than 40 class A office clients including a global law firm and investment firms. The tower’s elevator and escalator modernization, led by Schindler Elevator Corp., represents a groundbreaking achievement in vertical transportation. 

Project Description

Schindler’s Prudential Tower project involved the modernization of 28 gearless elevators in a nearly fully occupied, high-traffic building, while introducing new technologies like Schindler PORT Technology, which integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure to optimize efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. 

Additionally, the project included the modernization of three specialized passenger elevators for the newly added “View Boston” observation deck at the top of the building on the 50th-52nd floors, enhancing the center’s appeal as a top tourist attraction. Three specialized elevators, including one on the 52nd floor and two on the ground floor, were also installed to support observation deck traffic, along with three Schindler 9300 escalators. All of the VT equipment includes Schindler Ahead, ensuring advanced connectivity and maintenance capabilities.

The modernization was possible thanks to a combination of Schindler’s advanced technology, particularly the gearless high-rise elevator machines. The elevator units were sourced from Schindler Group’s facilities in Switzerland. Some of the units weighed more than 30,000 lb, presenting an installation challenge. The existing machines were meticulously removed using a specialized diamond rope saw to cut out the old machinery – a rare and innovative technique that allowed the project to be completed without disrupting tenant services. The new machines were disassembled offsite and brought up the elevators for reassembly in the machine rooms without any building modifications. The integration of Schindler PORT Technology, Schindler’s destination dispatch system that reviews, learns and adapts to traffic patterns to optimize building flow, represented a significant leap in efficiency and accessibility for Prudential Tower’s elevators.  

Schindler PORT Technology, which was integrated into the passenger elevators, has transformed the building’s transportation network. It optimizes traffic flow by grouping passengers based on their destination, minimizing stops and reducing travel times. Additionally, Schindler PORT Technology integrates with the building’s security systems to enhance access control, allowing for personalized elevator journeys based on passenger credentials. The observation elevators are controlled by a tablet interfacing with the Schindler TX controls, further enhancing the user experience. 

The modernization took place in a nearly fully occupied building, meaning all other elevators had to remain operational throughout the entire project timeline. The Schindler team managed this feat by carefully coordinating with the Prudential Tower team every week over the course of the three-and-a-half-year project and bringing in equipment during weekends and nights. 

Since the new elevators and machinery were larger than the service elevators, the Schindler team had to disassemble the new elevator cars that were to be installed into smaller parts to transport them in the service elevators. Luckily, Schindler’s equipment is designed to be broken down into smaller pieces, so the team was able to overcome this challenge quickly. 

Additionally, to bring in the machinery and new elevators, the team had to carefully remove the building’s glass doors on one machine room floor to bring in the large machinery and reinstall them before occupants could notice any disruptions. One machine room is located on a floor fully occupied by a law firm, where access passes through their space, creating both access and noise limitations that required additional consideration.

The project commenced in early 2020, coinciding with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which introduced significant logistical challenges. Strict safety protocols and the separation of on-site teams were necessary to ensure continuous progress. Despite these obstacles, the project remained on schedule, thanks to coordinated efforts and consistent communication among all parties involved.

The project employed several unique installation methods, including the phased implementation of Schindler PORT Technology, which was integrated into existing competitor elevator cars to optimize traffic flow while the cars were replaced one by one. The system’s hardware-agnostic design allowed for seamless modernization without requiring a complete overhaul of the elevators. Schindler’s PORT Technology destination interface system was installed in just four months, ensuring minimal disruption to building occupants.

The culmination of this project is the “View Boston” observation deck, a premier destination at the top of Prudential Tower. Here, guests can enjoy incredible indoor panoramic views of the city and get an even better look at the spectacular city skyline from The Lookout, elevated viewing platforms and Virtual Viewers. The specialized observation deck elevator cars, equipped with Schindler TX controllers, feature advanced multimedia technology, including 14 screens in each car, providing passengers with a cinematic and immersive digital display of the Boston skyline as they ascend to the top of the building. 

The successful coordination of these modernization upgrades, coupled with the uninterrupted service to the building’s tenants, underscores the project’s exceptional execution and meticulous attention to detail.

Transportation System

The modernization of Prudential Tower’s transportation system was a comprehensive and transformative project that redefined vertical mobility within one of Boston’s most iconic skyscrapers. This project not only involved the complete modernization of 28 elevators but also the installation of cutting-edge technology that enhanced both the passenger experience and operational efficiency. With Schindler’s innovative PORT technology at its core, Prudential Tower now boasts a transportation system that meets the highest standards of efficiency, security and personalization. This modernization plays a crucial role in the seamless operation of the “View Boston” observation deck, a key attraction added to the top of the building.

The transportation system for Prudential Tower now includes Schindler TX controllers with Schindler AC gearless machines. Throughout the project, Schindler retrofitted the existing competitor elevators with Schindler PORT Technology to optimize traffic flow while the team replaced and modernized each of the elevators. Schindler PORT Technology’s advanced algorithm continuously optimizes by reviewing, learning and adapting to traffic patterns. It also groups passengers based on their destination, minimizing the number of stops each elevator makes and reducing overall travel time and energy consumption.

Additionally, all the equipment includes Schindler Ahead, ensuring advanced connectivity and maintenance capabilities.

Three cars were specialized for the “View Boston” observation deck, equipped with 14 immersive video screens, providing passengers with a unique, cinematic journey as they ascend to the top of the building, showcasing dynamic visuals of the Boston skyline. Additionally, a set of three escalators transports visitors from the building’s basement to the main elevators serving the observation deck. This multi-layered transportation network ensures efficient, high-capacity service, supporting both daily tenant traffic and the influx of tourists visiting the observation deck.

Schindler PORT Technology also introduced a higher level of security and personalization. By incorporating RFID technology, the system allows for controlled access based on individual passenger credentials. This feature integrates seamlessly with Prudential Tower’s third-party security systems, providing a fully secure transportation network throughout the building. The ability to pre-assign elevator trips via RFID cards or even smartphones ensures that only authorized individuals can access specific floors, including the observation deck and private office spaces. Delivery personnel can access designated floors through a QR code on a visitor pass, which adds convenience while maintaining building security. The security system includes flood control measures and emergency lockdown capabilities, ensuring the safety of all building occupants. These features are particularly important for a building of this scale, where high-traffic areas such as the observation deck and office spaces require strict security measures.

Furthermore, the new gearless machines installed at Prudential Tower are designed for energy efficiency and sustainability. These machines not only provide smoother, quieter rides but also contribute to the building’s overall energy savings by regenerating power back into the building’s electrical system during operation. This aligns with Schindler’s commitment to creating environmentally sustainable products and helps Prudential Tower reduce its overall carbon footprint. The modernization of Prudential Tower’s transportation system serves as a masterclass in vertical mobility modernization. From the integration of Schindler’s advanced PORT Technology to the use of innovative installation techniques in a fully occupied building, this project pushed the boundaries of what is possible in elevator modernization.