UNCC Elevator Renovation

Fifteen elevators across campus are given much-needed restoration.

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), North Carolina, undertook a US$3.5-million renovation project between January 5, 2016, and February 14, 2017, to modernize multiple elevators across its campus. Having withstood constant abuse for many years, the previous elevators sorely needed refurbishment.

The impetus for most of the hydraulic elevators’ modernization was because they had single-bottom cylinders, which posed safety concerns. Work on the other elevators was done because of repeated maintenance calls.

Besides one thyssenkrupp TAC32 basement traction elevator, the other 14 units were TAC32 hydraulic elevators. Their TAC32 controllers are expected to improve reliability. Additionally, the elevators are more energy efficient than the old ones.

The elevators provide vertical transportation for office and classroom buildings. Most of the modernizations are the only elevators in a particular building. Two of the elevators are small freight units, one of which is used in the library to move books, with the other used to help move food up from the kitchen to meeting spaces, in addition to helping staff remove trash to dumpsters in a loading dock.

David Smith, Zone 5 and elevator supervisor for UNCC, explains of these units:

“One of the challenges that we encountered during the project was taking down the only elevator in a building. We had to relocate classrooms, offices, build temporary ramps, etc. Since it is the only elevator, then it is of the utmost importance to make sure that it works all the time.”

Inpro Ascend Division offered UNCC durable cab options using “Rigid Sheet” material and “Edge Protectant Technology™” with fully wrapped and protected laminated panels. Additionally, all screws and seams were covered by reveal strips to prevent tampering. “We really like their product because of durability. We had several elevators that looked like nothing but a tin can,” Smith explained. “I like the way the laminate is wrapped around the back of the new panel, and not just to the side, so it would be very difficult to try to damage. Everybody is very proud of the modernization that has taken place.”

Other companies involved include designer RDK Engineers and general contractor MV Momentum, both in Charlotte. Jennifer Price of UNCC was construction manager for the project, and Karl Reisinger was project managet for RDK Engineers.