Champion Elevator Secures US$6-Million Modernization Contract in Bronx, NY

Champion Elevator Corp. announced it has been awarded a US$6-million, 22-week modernization job for the garage elevators at Co-Op City in Bronx, New York. Led by Robert Masterson, Frank Feniello and Don Gelestino, Champion Elevator is no stranger to Co-Op City, the world’s single largest housing cooperative, built between 1966 and 1973, with 35 high rises and 200-plus townhomes. The company, along with partners that include United Vertical Group (UVG), has handled large-scale jobs there before. Set to begin in May, the contract involves full-service maintenance of 180 elevators and modernization of 16 passenger cars. The 2000-lb capacity, overheard gearless roped 1:1 elevators are “vital for the daily operations within Co-Op City, and will undergo a comprehensive transformation to enhance their safety, efficiency and reliability,” Champion observed. Masterson will lead the engineering, and Feniello will supervise eight teams working to revamp eight cars simultaneously in two phases. Existing TK Elevator (Northern) overhead geared traction machines will be replaced with Hollister-Whitney gearless machines with emergency brakes and rope grippers. Upgrades will extend to the controllers, door equipment and fixtures to optimize functionality and the user experience. UVG will also install new stainless-steel cabs and entrances.