Illinois State University Residence to Renovate Elevators

Illinois State University’s (ISU) Watterson Towers will be receiving a US$15-million renovation to modernize the elevator cars, control systems and safety features of the 28-story tower’s eight elevators, The Vidette Online reports. ISU’s Board of Trustees approved the project at its meeting on Oct. 14. Elevators one through four were initially installed in 1969 and had their last major upgrade in 1999. Elevators five through eight were installed in 1989 and contain the original hoisting equipment with a control system that was also last updated in 1999. The elevators will be taken out of service two at a time during the project. Once the renovation project is complete, it will provide a modernized elevator system in Watterson Towers for the next 25 years. The project’s timeline is unknown as a contractor has yet to be hired. The approved cost for the renovation, which is not to exceed US$15 million, will be paid for with housing reserve funds set aside for maintenance. The residence hall houses more than 2,000 students each semester.