San Jose Approves 11-Elevator Refurbishment Contract

The San Jose City Council in California unanimously approved a US$4.5 million contract to refurbish 11 elevators at three city-owned parking garages, the San Jose Spotlight reports. Approximately half are more than 50 years old, with two built in 1965. Many of the elevators at 45 North Market Street, 95 North Third Street and Fourth Street/San Fernando Street are slow and make creaking noises — if they are even operating that day. They appear dirty inside because of fading linoleum floors, outdated lighting and vandalism. According to officials, people often start fires in the elevators, causing smoke damage and burn marks. Upgrades will include refurbishing the existing elevator machines and replacing the doors and mechanics. The public works director wrote in a July memo to the council that because “elevator cabs have been exposed to reoccurring vandalism, elevator flooring will be replaced with diamond steel, and ‘vandal proof’ lighting will be implemented in an effort to prevent future vandalism.” Construction will start in September and is expected to finish by October 2025. Garages and some elevator operations will remain open during construction.