Historic Resources Committee

We have a project which involves the repair of a bird cage elevator, c. 1926, in a co-operative apartment in Washington, DC.   The owners have told us that local Otis service was not able to help.

Would any one know of a repair service specializing in historic elevators?

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Ralph Warren Short AIA
Muse Architects
Bethesda MD
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We repaired one here in the '90's in an historic hotel converted to single room occupancy.  You have to find a local, small elevator company who is willing to find the parts or have some made (custom).  The B-free rules don't care for them...nor, the Code. We replaced the motor, cables, and had to make some small parts.

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Nelson B. Nave AIA
Owner
Nelson Breech Nave, AIA Architect
Kalamazoo MI
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2015 10:49
From: Ralph Short
Subject: Historic Elevator

We have a project which involves the repair of a bird cage elevator, c. 1926, in a co-operative apartment in Washington, DC.   The owners have told us that local Otis service was not able to help.

Would any one know of a repair service specializing in historic elevators?

-------------------------------------------
Ralph Warren Short AIA
Muse Architects
Bethesda MD
-------------------------------------------

Mr. Short ---
A few thoughts:
1.
In my area, we have a couple of independent elevator service companies.  They'e not married to a brand.
2.
If no luck with that, try "heavy-history" cities --- NYC, Chicago, Baltimore --- which might have lots of birdcages, and thus, the poeple who nurse 'em along.
3.
Isn't there a major "history of buildings" museum in D.C.?
4.
Maybe there's a "history of elevators" group?  Possible connection to repair sources.

Maybe one of these sources'll give you a lift.
Thanks ---
Bill Devlin

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William Devlin AIA
William J. Devlin, AIA, Inc.
Springfield MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2015 10:49
From: Ralph Short
Subject: Historic Elevator

We have a project which involves the repair of a bird cage elevator, c. 1926, in a co-operative apartment in Washington, DC.   The owners have told us that local Otis service was not able to help.

Would any one know of a repair service specializing in historic elevators?

-------------------------------------------
Ralph Warren Short AIA
Muse Architects
Bethesda MD
-------------------------------------------

Hello again, Mr. Short ---
Another thought: 
Within your requirements for authenticity, consider having the operating system as all state-of-the-art, with only the car, doors, and other "appearance" parts as originals / reproductions.  That could make it easier to find a service company.
Then ---
With some good craftspeople, you can maintain the "authentics".  Things like the operator's rotating-lever car control can be immobilized and left-in-place, for visual interest.  It might even get a mounted photo with explanatory note (from "wherever")...
And THEN ---
Hook-up the crafters with the service company, to develop ADA--compatible revisions, which fit, visually and functionally (if not immediately, then over time, if your local authorities are flexible).
Again, good luck.  
Floor, please?
Thanks ---
Bill Devlin 
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William Devlin AIA
William J. Devlin, AIA, Inc.
Springfield MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-10-2015 21:38
From: William Devlin
Subject: Historic Elevator

Mr. Short ---
A few thoughts:
1.
In my area, we have a couple of independent elevator service companies.  They'e not married to a brand.
2.
If no luck with that, try "heavy-history" cities --- NYC, Chicago, Baltimore --- which might have lots of birdcages, and thus, the poeple who nurse 'em along.
3.
Isn't there a major "history of buildings" museum in D.C.?
4.
Maybe there's a "history of elevators" group?  Possible connection to repair sources.

Maybe one of these sources'll give you a lift.
Thanks ---
Bill Devlin

-------------------------------------------
William Devlin AIA
William J. Devlin, AIA, Inc.
Springfield MA
-------------------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2015 10:49
From: Ralph Short
Subject: Historic Elevator

We have a project which involves the repair of a bird cage elevator, c. 1926, in a co-operative apartment in Washington, DC.   The owners have told us that local Otis service was not able to help.

Would any one know of a repair service specializing in historic elevators?

-------------------------------------------
Ralph Warren Short AIA
Muse Architects
Bethesda MD
-------------------------------------------

We have used Lerch Bates Elevator Consultants on some Park Service projects.  They have offices all over the country.  If anyone could help you, they could.

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David Black AIA
Project Architect
HagerSmith Design, PA
Raleigh NC
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2015 10:49
From: Ralph Short
Subject: Historic Elevator

We have a project which involves the repair of a bird cage elevator, c. 1926, in a co-operative apartment in Washington, DC.   The owners have told us that local Otis service was not able to help.

Would any one know of a repair service specializing in historic elevators?

-------------------------------------------
Ralph Warren Short AIA
Muse Architects
Bethesda MD
-------------------------------------------

I realize this response is a little dated, but I have used Michael Blades and Associates for elevator and escalator upgrade and replacement projects at BWI and at Roanoke Regional Airport. They are not a contractor, but do consulting work in various areas, and know some of the specialty contractors in the field. They are located in Lothian, MD,

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Richard Shulby AIA
Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson
Owings Mills MD
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-09-2015 10:49
From: Ralph Short
Subject: Historic Elevator

We have a project which involves the repair of a bird cage elevator, c. 1926, in a co-operative apartment in Washington, DC.   The owners have told us that local Otis service was not able to help.

Would any one know of a repair service specializing in historic elevators?

-------------------------------------------
Ralph Warren Short AIA
Muse Architects
Bethesda MD
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