Web Exclusive: Centennial Elevator Modernization on Fifth Avenue
by Nicholas J. Montesano
Founded in 1976, Centennial Elevator Co. of New York is currently owned and operated by Rich L’Esperance,Sr.; Rich L’Esperance, Jr., chief operating officer; and Gus Catanzaro. The company focuses on modernization and maintenance projects, and has more than 3,000 units under preventative maintenance. In September 2011, L’Esperance, Jr., announced the company’s completion of several Fifth Avenue projects, with the most recent being 1215 Fifth Avenue, a high-end residential building. The project was completed in June 2011 and included various upgrades.
The modernization consisted of replacing all basement traction machines with new Hollister-Whitney machines and GAL GALaxy controllers, in addition to a complete support- system upgrade. Each machine room included new motor room electrical components, mainline disconnects, AC feed, communication system for the elevator and lobby, heating ventilation and air conditioning to manage motor room temperature, new lighting and outlets in the motor room pit and overhead. The upgrades will improve reliability and longevity of the installations.
The project was a high-pressure job conducted on an accelerated timeframe to minimize the inconvenience to the building owners. It was designed and overseen by L’Esperance, Jr., and also handled by Superintendent Peter Hyde, who also oversaw two teams working simultaneously to complete the project on schedule. In addition to the Hollister-Whitney machines installed, the new GALaxy control system utilized Magnatek’s HPV 900 drive.
Some of the project challenges of modernizing the old building with new equipment were the minimal clearance and space restrictions in the motor rooms, in addition to a lower-level pit with the machine installed in it. The project was consulted by DTM Elevator Consulting, which also worked from the initial concept of the modernization through supervision and signoff.
Two automatic passenger cars were upgraded and meet new code compliances for firefighter service and communication. Additional building services include taxi notification. The new lobby panel consists of the communication system, and a car-to-lobby and/or hold feature, items common in high-end residential properties.
The building’s original manual freight cars were completely modernized with new fixtures, handles, gates and cab interiors. Additional project challenges included the installation of the new hall and car fixtures in both the existing hallway and the existing cab on the passenger elevators, as they required detailed coordination with the building to avoid damage to its marble walls, including apartments that had custom design materials in their hallway and corridors.
Centennial Elevator has 45 modernization teams. Their hands-on approach to modernizations, preventive maintenance and customer service has helped establish the company as one of the leaders in the New York Metropolitan area. Working with management company Brown Harris Stevens, Centennial Elevator has completed several other projects similar to 1215 Fifth Avenue, including 1216 Sixth Avenue, the New York Academy of Medicine, the Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Avenue and 1049 Fifth Avenue.
