Volume 68 | November 2024 | | | ELEVATOR WORLD New York is EW's free monthly newsletter focusing on vertical-transportation news in the Greater New York Region. Contact the EW Editorial Department to submit news or the EW Advertising Department to advertise and reach more than 5,000 subscribers in the New York area. | | | | PATRIOT ELEVATOR INVOLVED IN THREE MANHATTAN LANDMARK PROJECTS | | | The Beam Experience; image courtesy of Rockefeller Center | Ascent at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt; image courtesy of Cimolai | | Patriot Elevator Services, LLC, was recently involved in three major Manhattan projects with Italian manufacturer Cimolai Technology SpA: the One Vanderbilt supertall in Midtown, Vessel in Hudson Yards on the Far West Side and 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown. At One Vanderbilt, one of the two observation deck elevators fell in March 2023, putting it and the adjacent elevator out of service. Patriot facilitated Cimolai's formation of an International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) company tasked with rebuilding the system "almost from scratch," Patriot Principal Steven Corsale tells ELEVATOR WORLD. Only the rack was retained. That project is nearing completion now. At Vessel, the elevator was damaged earlier this year. Patriot facilitated IEUC Local 1 labor for Cimolai to repair the system, which opened earlier this month. At Rockefeller Center, Cimolai manufactured the beam for the new Beam Experience, which allows visitors to replicate the famous "Lunch atop a Skyscraper" photo of steelworkers sitting on a steel beam during the tower's construction in 1932. The beam was installed under Patriot's elevator agency license, and Patriot served as Cimolai's on-site project manager. Located on the 69th floor, Top of the Rock observation deck, The Beam Experience opened nearly a year ago. EW plans to follow up on these exciting projects soon! | | | | | Elevator at Vessel; image courtesy of Liberty Elevator | | | | | LIFT COMM COLLABORATES WITH MTA ON ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES
| | | Lift Communications (Lift Comm), a subsidiary of TEC Solutions Concepts Inc. based in New Jersey, announced it is collaborating with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) on accessibility upgrades at the MTA Queensboro Plaza subway station in Long Island City, Queens. As part of the project, Lift Comm is installing advanced two-way elevator communications systems to ensure that all passengers, including those who are visually and hearing impaired, have access to reliable and accessible communication when using the station. Key features of the Lift Comm system at the Queensboro Plaza station include immediate emergency access to facilitate quick assistance for passengers in need. Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant design to ensure equal access for all passengers and reliable operation designed to perform under any conditions, providing consistent communication. MTA tells ELEVATOR WORLD Modern Elevator provided two new ADA-compliant elevators at the station. The developer of a residential tower on the station's north side is also expected to install a street-level elevator to the station mezzanine in exchange for zoning bonuses. | | | | ALBERTO SASSI PARTNERS WITH LIC-BASED MASTER ELEVATOR PARTS | | | | | Albero Sassi SpA, headquartered in Italy, recently announced a strategic partnership with Long Island City (LIC)-based Master Elevator Parts. Unveiled during the United Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in September, the alliance will see Alberto Sassi's innovative geared and gearless machines enter the North American market. Also at United, Alberto Sassi unveiled its new G-525 gearless machine, specifically engineered to comply with North American standards. "This new partnership and strategic alliance marks a major step forward in our international expansion, solidifying our position as a global leader in the elevator industry," Alberto Sassi stated. "The company is well-prepared to tackle the challenges of this new market thanks to the support and extensive expertise of Master Elevator Parts." | | | | IN MEMORIAM: THOMAS STACK | | | | | Vertical-transportation consultancy VDA, Inc., announced the passing of industry pioneer Thomas Stack earlier this month. Stack was one of VDA's original four owners following the purchase from John Van Deusen in 2010. Stack started his career at Central Elevator in 1978, where he quickly became its most skilled and trusted adjuster. His expertise and troubleshooting skills made him an industry leader and a go-to for support, even from competitors. Van Deusen took note of Stack's special traits and asked him to join VDA in 1989. He accepted the offer and didn't stop there. Stack was identified early on as one of the next owners of VDA, becoming instrumental in its growth in the existing installation market. Having served on the NYC Elevator Code Advisory Committee, Stack helped shape the local elevator landscape, advising on additions and revisions to city code. At the time of his passing, Stack was the longest-tenured VDA employee, and he will be greatly missed. Former VDA Partner and CEO Mike Smith described Stack as a "truly unique man who I was blessed to call a friend for more than 30 years." Said Smith: "His humor made you smile, and his brilliance made you think." Stack's survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Deborah; daughter, Kimberly; siblings, Kathleen, John and Robert; his "furever" friend, Buddy; his "grand-animals," Daisy, Gracie, Kitty and Ophelia; nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Smith continued:
"He was and is VDA royalty, as he set the standard, never settling for average. I was proud to be his partner as he made me a better man, and I know he did the same for many others!" — submitted by VDA | | | (l-r) Tom Stack and Mike Smith | | (l-r) Rob Cuzzi and Tom Stack | | | MID-AMERICAN PROVIDES TWO ADA ELEVATORS FOR MANHATTAN MTA STATION | | | ADA elevator taking passengers from street level to the mezzanine; image courtesy of MTA | | The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tells ELEVATOR WORLD that Mid-American Elevator provided two new elevators for the 14th Street 123 subway station in Manhattan. Unveiled on November 3, the accessibility upgrades are part of a larger 14th Street Complex Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) megaproject that includes US$247 million in federal funding and will ultimately add nine elevators. One of the new elevators brings passengers from street level to the mezzanine, and the other connects the mezzanine to the uptown platform. An elevator connecting the mezzanine to the downtown platform is expected to open soon. In addition to the elevators, improvements include an enlarged mezzanine and new concession stand, new lighting and tiles, repaired concrete and refinished platforms that feature ADA-compliant boarding areas. Notably, the 14th Street Complex features new artwork by Fred Tomaselli titled "Wild Things," a suite of six mosaics commissioned by MTA Art and Design. | | | One of the "Wild Things" mosaics | | | | LECARDI NAMED METRO ELEVATOR VP OF MODERNIZATION | | | | | James LeCardi was recently named vice president (VP) of Modernization at Metro Elevator. Based in the NYC metropolitan area, LeCardi joins Metro Elevator from Schindler, where he held roles including manger, territory project operations; senior project manager; and project superintendent, all based in the NYC area, over nearly nine years. LeCardi holds a degree in accounting from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island, where he served as NCAA Division III basketball team captain. Welcoming LeCardi to the team, Metro Elevator President Ryan Kraven said adding him to the "best modernization outfit in NYC/New Jersey only enhances our commitment to our customers for quality and excellence." LeCardi said he is happy to be reunited with Metro Elevator. "I am grateful for the opportunity to join a team that I know has the work ethic and dedication to succeed and continue to grow," he said. "I am super excited to hit the ground running with the team." | | | | DYNASTY ELEVATOR PRESIDENT MEZZO JOINS NYBMA BOD
| | | (l-r) late NYBMA Association Vice President Anton Rukaj, John Mezzo and NYBMA Financial Secretary Marat Olfir; image courtesy of NYBMA | | The New York Building Managers' Association (NYBMA) announced Dynasty Elevator President John Mezzo has accepted a nomination to join the association's Board of Directors (BoD). As one of the city's largest and oldest residential property manager/superintendent organizations, NYBMA was founded in 1917 to support colleagues coming together on a monthly basis to share experiences while managing some of NYC's premiere real estate properties. The association hosts continuing-education and special events including its Grand Ball, Golf Outing, Ladies Night and many charity initiatives. The association welcomes and congratulates Mezzo! | | | | BROOKLYN HOSPITAL CENTER SECURES US$2 MILLION FOR ESCALATOR UPGRADES | | | Leaders at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn were joined by State Sen. Andrew Gounardes on October 16 to announce US$2 million in state funding for modernizing the facility's two escalators, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle was among outlets to report. The hospital — a safety-net facility essential for Brooklyn residents who otherwise could not afford medical care — saw a record 30,000 patients come through its emergency room in 2023. In spring 2023, the escalators broke down, impeding access for patients with mobility problems. The escalators are critical to the facility, as they transport patients and staff from the lobby to the operating rooms and beyond. The new funding, the source said, "will allow the hospital to more effectively assist patients in a traditionally underserved part of Brooklyn." | | | | ANOTHER HIGH RISE GREENLIT IN JERSEY CITY'S GROWING DOWNTOWN | | | 155 Marin Boulevard; image courtesy of MHS Architecture | | Construction of a 30-story, 320-ft-tall high rise with 300 residential units in the Liberty Harbor area of downtown Jersey City, New Jersey, has been greenlit by the Jersey City Planning Board, Jersey Digs reported on October 24. Alternately referred to as 20 South Cove Avenue and 155 Marin Boulevard, the empty plot of land in 2014 was transferred by the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) to an entity that planned to build a hotel. Those plans fell through, prompting JCRA to file a lawsuit in 2021 to regain control of the land. Now owned by an entity called Liberty Harbor North Partners LLC, the lot between the two towers of the Vantage complex is slated to become home to the residential tower — designed by MHS Architecture and including 15% affordable units. Amenities include a combined 12,200 ft2 of space on the second and third floors, as well as a basketball court. The top floor will be devoted to amenities such as an outdoor terrace and pool. A construction timeline has not been announced. | | | | IN MEMORIAM: GELESTINO'S NAMESAKE FATHER
| | | Donald Gelestino, father of Champion Elevator Corp. President Donald "Don" Gelestino, passed away on November 1 at home surrounding by loved ones after a period of declining health. A native of New York who dedicated many years to the Rescue Company of the Oceanside Fire Department, Gelestino proudly served in the U.S. Army. After his service, he worked as a paramedic for the Nassau County Police Department in Mineola, NY. After retiring and moving to Maine, Gelestino worked for the Dover, New Hampshire, Police Department and Dover District Court. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Gelestino loved traveling across the country and going on cruises with his wife of 55 years, Marilyn, and spending time with his beloved family. He greatly enjoyed camping, boating and fishing. Survivors include wife, Marilyn; son Donald daughter-in-law Nadine; daughters Lisa, Sandi, Debbie and Patty; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the York Ambulance Association, who "go above and beyond, for which we should be forever grateful." Don Gelestino expressed heartfelt thanks to the condolences he received upon his father's passing, stating: "Your support has meant so much to me and my family during this difficult time, and we are truly touched by the outpouring of kindness and compassion." | | | (l-r) Don Gelestino with his father, Donald Gelestino; image courtesy of Don Gelestino
| | | | START ELEVATOR'S O'SHEA RUNS NYC MARATHON FOR CANCER RESEARCH | | | Jack O'Shea after completing the race; photo courtesy of Start Elevator
| | Start Elevator Owner and President Jack O'Shea was among more than 55,000 athletes to complete the New York City Marathon on November 3. O'Shea's marathon journey was inspired by his brother Morty O'Shea's battle with multiple myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer. After a diagnosis in 2013 and the cancer taking a critical turn in 2021, Morty relocated from County Donegal, Ireland, to the U.S. and received life-saving experimental treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, marking a turning point in his fight against cancer. Morty O'Shea is a priest and a devoted member of the Catholic missionary order, the Society of Our Lady of the Holy Trinity, in Ireland. In the 26.2-mi marathon, Jack O'Shea had an official time of 3:58:25, placing 18,135th out of 55,530 participants. Through his participation in the marathon, Jack O'Shea raised funds for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), an organization at the forefront of developing innovative treatments for this cancer, which currently has no permanent cure. | | | (l-r) Jack O'Shea shows his strength during the 2024 New York City Marathon; photo courtesy of Start Elevator. | | | | ELEVATOR COMPANIES AT BOMA NEW YORK BOWLING EVENT
| | | Local elevator companies and suppliers were among sponsors and attendees of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) New York chapter's Fall Kingpin Bowling Tournament on October 23 at Frames New York in Midtown Manhattan. BOMA New York thanked all the sponsors, which included Kings III Emergency Communications and Liberty Elevator Corp. BOMA New York thanked all sponsors and participants for taking part in a "great evening filled with networking, friendly competition and delicious food." The winning team was from property management company The Paramount Group. Manhattan-based DTM Drafting & Consulting Services, Inc., said they "always have a blast at this event, even if our scores didn't come close to those of the Paramount Group!" | | | The DTM team at BOMA New York's Fall Kingpin Bowling Tournament; image courtesy of Nick Montesano | | | NEW YORK BUILD TO INCLUDE ELEVATOR COMPANIES AND SUPPLIERS
| | | New York Build 2025 Expo, the largest construction and design show for the city, is set to include numerous elevator companies and suppliers. The show, planned on March 12-13, 2025, at the Javits Center in Hell's Kitchen, invites attendees to network and do business with more than 40,000 senior-level decision-makers from the AEC (Architectural, Engineering and Construction) and real estate industries. Among exhibitors at the 2025 event are Champion Elevator, Liberty Elevator Corp., Major Elevator, Schindler Elevator Corp. and Start Elevator. In addition, a featured sponsor is Kings III Emergency Communications, which will be on hand to discuss new local building code that requires video and two-way text for elevator communications. A no-cost, early-bird ticket may be obtained here. | | | | | The New York Building Managers Association (NYBMA), the city's largest residential/manager superintendent organization, recently said goodbye to Vice President Anton "Tony" Rukaj, who passed away suddenly on October 20 at the age of 46 as the result of a motorcycle accident. "Anton brought joy, love and kindness into the lives of so many and will be missed forever," NYBMA said. "Please keep the Rukaj family in your thoughts during this difficult time." Services were held in late October, and Rukaj was laid to rest in Hawthorne, NY. "For those who didn't have the chance to know him, you missed out on an incredible individual," NYBMA Past President Wojciech Siedlik said. "To those of us who did, we've lost not just a fellow member, but a true friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and with all of you during this difficult time." | | | OOMA AIRDIAL POTS REPLACEMENT ADDS CERTIFICATIONS
| | | Oooma Inc.'s AirDial® Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) replacement solution has added certifications to boost regulatory compliance, the Sunnyvale, California-headquartered cloud-based communications provider announced on October 15. AirDial certifications now include the Fire Department of New York ID# 2024-TMFRAL-001861-VRNC for connecting fire alarm panels; the California Office of the State Fire Marshal for connecting fire alarm panels; AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and UScellular for network compatibility; and UL 864 and UL62368-1 for electrical safety. Ooma AirDial is also designed with regulatory compliance in mind for situations in which no official certification is offered. Among these regulations are the American Society of Mechanical Engineers A17.1 code for elevator phones, the National Fire Protection Association 72 for fire alarm panels, the National Insurance Portability and Accountability Act for healthcare organizations and the payment card industry for credit-card processing. | | | ECNY Annual Holiday Party | December 5, 2024 For more information, visit website. | | March 12-13, 2025 For more information, visit website. | | April 9, 2025 For more information, visit website. | | | Editorial submissions, reprint permission requests and subscription/removal requests should be sent to the ELEVATOR WORLD Editorial Department. EW New York editorial staff: Angela C. Baldwin, Kaija Wilkinson and Lindsay Fletcher. The EW Editorial Calendar can be downloaded here. ELEVATOR WORLD New York is a registered trademark, and all rights are reserved. Copyright 2024 © Elevator World, Inc. | | | Copyright © 2024 Elevator World, Inc., All rights reserved.
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