by Shane Henson — April 16, 2012—The elevators within Tower Plaza in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just became much faster and more attractive after being renovated by Detroit Elevator Company, billed as one of the oldest and most experienced elevator companies in the country. Built in 1969, the 26-story Tower Plaza is a 298-unit building that had been serving hundreds of students, professionals and tenants with the building’s three original elevators.
Working with O’Neal Construction Inc., a general contractor and construction manager in Ann Arbor, Michigan since 1961, Detroit Elevator Company began the project in June 2011. Updates included refinished elevator cabs, a new digital control system, new AC-based hoisting machinery, new door-operating systems, and new signal fixtures provided throughout the job.
To tenants, the most immediate benefit will be the fresher, more attractive cabs with reduced wait times, says Detroit Elevator Company. Elevator speeds have increased from approximately 280 feet per minute to a current 400 feet per minute. In addition, the new digital control system captures elevator activity to more intelligently dispatch elevators faster and more efficiently based on need.
Just as important, the new Traction Auxiliary Power System will prevent tenants from being stranded in an elevator due to a power outage—not only an inconvenience but a major safety issue.
“If the building loses power, the elevator will progress to the next floor to allow people to exit from the elevator,” said Don Purdie, Jr., vice president for Detroit Elevator Company. “No one will be trapped between floors in this building.”
