TEI Group Awarded Major 30-Unit Contract at The Torch

NYC-headquartered TEI Group announced on April 17 it has been awarded a major 30-unit contract at The Torch, a supertall hotel skyscraper also known as 740 Eighth Avenue that will rise 1,067 ft above Times Square in Midtown Manhattan. TEI Group said it is “honored to collaborate on this massive landmark,” designed by ODA Architecture and developed by Extell Development Co. The under-construction 56-story building will feature a 500-ft spiraling glass structure at the top inspired by the Statue of Liberty, as well as lower-level retail, a restaurant on the top two floors, a VIP lounge, a 260-ft drop ride and an observation deck. The US$1.3-billion tower will be served by 28 elevators, three of which travel more than 900 ft at over 2,000 ft/min; and two escalators. TEI President Mark Gregorio observed The Torch is a continuation of an already-strong relationship with Extell and general contractor Suffolk Construction. He said the high-rise, high-speed elevator expertise of Vice President John Rose and General Manager Mike Donohue, as well as engineering support from Nidec Elevator Group, help position the project for success.