Elevator World New York | May 2026 Newsletter

Volume 86 | May 2026

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 3,500 subscribers in the New York area.

May 2026

PRECISION ELEVATOR DUPLEX VT SYSTEM FOR BILLIONAIRES’ ROW CONVERSION

Parc Beaufort; image courtesy of MdeAS Architects

Brooklyn-headquartered Precision Elevator provided two gearless passenger Class-A loading elevators that operate as a duplex vertical-transportation (VT) system for Parc Beaufort, a 14-story residential conversion at 140 West 57th Street on Billionaires’ Row in Midtown Manhattan, Precision President Kristof Okulewicz tells ELEVATOR WORLD. The project is roughly 85% complete, Okulewicz says, and the elevators are currently being used by the general contractor under temporary-use permits. Equipped with destination dispatch, the elevator system boasts MCE controllers with door monitoring, selectors and load-weighing devices; MCE fixtures; Hollister-Whitney rope grippers, governors, tension weights, oil buffers, safeties, platforms and counterweight frames; ELSCO roller guides from MEGA; GAL MOVFR door operators, clutches, interlocks, restrictors and more; Monitor car operating panels; car annunciators from CE Electronics; cabs by USC Elevator Interiors; and welded blackened stainless-steel entrances from Columbia Elevator. The limestone and brick building was originally built in 1909 as a co-op residential building for artists, then was converted to offices in 1981, New York YIMBY reports. The 47-condominium conversion was designed by MdeAS Architects and is being developed by the Feil Organization with Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management.

CHAMPION ELEVATOR EXPANDS TECHNICIAN SERVICES IN NYC

Champion Elevator has announced the expansion of its professional elevator technician services in NYC, strengthening its commitment to safety, reliability and efficiency across residential and commercial properties. “With a growing demand for dependable vertical-transportation systems, the company continues to deliver timely maintenance, repair and modernization solutions tailored to the unique infrastructure of NYC buildings,” Champion said. Operating in one of the most complex elevator markets in the country, Champion Elevator’s team of technicians is equipped with advanced tools and industry knowledge. The company’s services cover routine inspections, emergency repairs, system upgrades and compliance with local safety regulations. By focusing on precision and responsiveness, Champion ensures minimal downtime and enhanced performance for elevators of all types and brands throughout the city.

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT FOR THE EW PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Submissions are now being accepted for the ELEVATOR WORLD 29th Annual Project of the Year Awards. We are seeking submissions of projects featuring vertical, horizontal or inclined transportation systems with an innovative design, special application or approach that solved a major problem or overcame a unique challenge. Projects will be judged on innovation, originality and creativity, challenges overcome, installation methods and techniques and use of advanced technology, as well as overall quality of presentation. This year’s categories are Elevators, New Construction; Elevators, Modernization; Escalators, New Construction; Escalators, Modernization; Moving Walks; Inclined Elevators; Platform Lifts & Stairway Chairlifts; Private-Residence Elevators; and Special-Purpose Lifts. All entries will be judged and categorized as received by an impartial panel of experienced industry experts and professionals. Winning entries will be published in the January 2027 issue of ELEVATOR WORLD. Winners in each category will be acknowledged with an award of recognition. The submission deadline is September 2.

14TH ANNUAL PHOTO CONTEST DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!

Submissions are open for ELEVATOR WORLD’s 2026 Photo Contest until May 22. This year’s categories include Projects In Action, Elevators/Lifts (Commercial), Elevators/Lifts (Private Residence), Escalators & Moving Walkways, Machines & Components, City Skylines and Tall Buildings, Historical/Legacy Equipment (pre-1965), Company Factories/Facilities, Hoistways and Industry Art/Illustrations (including sketches, blueprints, digital, AI and other). The nomination period will be followed by public voting, and winners will be featured in our August 2026 issue. Video submissions can be submitted for any category and links can be shared from any of the following platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, Wistia, Vidyard, BitChute and Mixcloud. Send us your best shots and be published in EW! We look forward to viewing the elevator world through your unique lens. Please email with any questions.

DESIMONE AUGMENTS FORENSIC TEAM WITH ADDITION OF SEASONED SPECIALIST

Nelson

DeSimone Consulting Engineering, a global company founded in NYC in 1969, in April announced the addition of Joelle Nelson, PE, as principal in its consulting engineering practice. Based in NYC, Nelson is a recognized leader in forensic engineering with more than 20 years' experience in structural investigation, design and litigation support for high-profile, multi-million-dollar disputes. Drawing on expertise as a structural engineer in the design, renovation and construction of high-rise, historic and contemporary structures, Nelson will provide expert witness services and play a critical role in shaping clients' pre-litigation and litigation strategy. In NYC, she has worked on such projects as the St. Nicholas Orthodox Greek Church, designed by Santiago Calatrava on the World Trade Center site, and the landmarked 1916 office building 195 Broadway. Nelson joins DeSimone from SOCOTEC, where she served as vice president following a long tenure at Thornton Thomasetti as associate principal. She holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Columbia University.

MTA UNVEILS MID-AMERICAN-MODERNIZED ELEVATOR IN GREENWICH VILLAGE

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) unveiled an elevator modernized by Chicago’s Mid-American Elevator at the West Fourth Street-Washington Square ACEBDFM subway station in Greenwich Village, Manhattan, on May 20. The station serves approximately 27,000 riders each weekday. The last of three elevators modernized at the station since 2025, the elevator opened on budget and ahead of schedule. Work included full replacement of the cab and associated equipment; a new head house and street-level canopy; modifications to the shaft and pit to accommodate new equipment; replacement and modernization of all machine room, electrical and mechanical equipment; and updates to the monitoring equipment, fire alarm system, intercom and cameras. The MTA currently has elevator replacement projects underway in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

The new West Fourth Street-Washington Square ACEBDFM station elevator installed by Mid-American; photo by Marc A. Hermann for MTA

BROOKLYN REZONING WOULD PAVE WAY FOR TALLER BUILDINGS, THOUSANDS OF APARTMENTS

Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s “South of Prospect Plan” to rezone a stretch of Brooklyn south of Prospect Park along the proposed Interborough Express (IBX) would pave the way for taller buildings and thousands of new apartments, The Real Deal NY reports. The area along Coney Island and McDonald avenues is currently dominated by low-rise housing and one-story storefronts. Mamdani’s latest housing push reflects the city’s focus on transit-oriented development, as the area sits near multiple subway lines and the long-awaited IBX light-rail project. Several local Council members have already voiced support, and the Department of City Planning kicked off a public-engagement process this week with a neighborhood survey. The South of Prospect Plan is one of two large rezoning efforts under Mamdani. The other spans a stretch of White Plains Road in the Bronx.

EMCO ENTERS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH ELMO

Elevator Motors Corp. (EMCO), a value-added distributor of mission-critical elevator components serving the North American market, has entered into an agreement with Pavia, Italy-based ELMO to stock and distribute ELMO submersible hydraulic elevator motors throughout North America. Under the agreement, EMCO will maintain inventory of commonly deployed ELMO motor models at its Farmingdale, New York, warehouse, along with strategically positioned inventory through select distribution partners across North America to support rapid delivery and reduced customer lead times. ELMO submersible hydraulic motors are suited for both newly manufactured hydraulic power units and replacement applications requiring dependable, rapid access to critical components. EMCO's staff provides assistance with motor identification, specification matching and application support, helping customers reduce downtime, maintain project schedules and improve responsiveness in the field.

PRECISION ELEVATOR PROVIDES PASSENGER ELEVATORS FOR NEW MIDTOWN RESIDENTIAL TOWER

Brooklyn-headquartered Precision Elevator provided three passenger elevators — two gearless traction and one hydraulic — for 18W55, a 25-story residential tower designed by Morris Adjmi Architects and developed by Skyline Developers at 18 West 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, Precision President Kristof Okulewicz tells ELEVATOR WORLD. New York YIMBY reported this month that construction is finished, with final touches going onto the Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete façade. It will yield 97 rental units within153,104 ft². Precision began work in July 2024 and finished in August 2025. The project was initially sold and managed by Account Executive Scott Benson, and later managed by Precision Vice President of Engineering Sergey Volkov. Suppliers with which Precision worked on 18W55 include ESI, Fundamental Elevator Solutions, Hollister-Whitney, Torin, Perlin Steel, ELSCO, GAL, Monitor, USC Elevator Interiors and Columbia Elevator.

18W55; photo by Michael Young for New York YIMBY

The tower in its context; photo by Michael Young for New York YIMBY

PLANS FOR 1,090-FT-TALL RESIDENTIAL SUPERTALL IN TRIBECA REVEALED

A team consisting of Morris Adjmi Architects, Vornado Realty Trust and Stellar Management submitted an Environmental Assessment Statement to the Department of City Planning for a 1,090-ft-tall residential supertall at 310 Greenwich Street in Tribeca, Manhattan, New York YIMBY reports. To take shape on the site of a trio of 39-story residential towers built in the 1970s known as Independence Plaza, the 72-story, 705,309-ft² structure would yield 976 units, including an affordable component. A portion of Independence Plaza containing 45 residences would be demolished, with residents relocated to the new supertall. If developers secure all needed approvals, they aim to start demolition in 2027, with construction starting in 2028 ahead of targeted completion in 2032. No final renderings were revealed with the latest plans, but previous renderings show design elements including a three-winged podium, gray paneling, large square windows and red brick to complement the historic character of the neighborhood.

Base of the supertall; image courtesy of The Tribeca Trib via New York YIMBY

ELEVATOR NOW OPEN AT 59TH STREET-COLUMBUS CIRCLE STATION

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that a new mezzanine-to-platform elevator at the 59th Street-Columbus Circle station serving the southbound A, B, C, D lines and the northbound 1 line is now open, the West Side Rag reports. Manufactured by Mid-American Elevator, the elevator was constructed using a public-private partnership model, where the elevator was paid for and constructed by developer Global Holdings, but will be maintained by the MTA. “The MTA is utilizing innovative methods, like public-private partnerships, to deliver accessibility better, faster and cheaper,” said MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer, in a news release. “The new 59 St-Columbus Circle elevator is proof that smart construction strategies can deliver real results for riders while saving millions in the process.” The 59th Street-Columbus Circle station was already accessible, but the MTA decided to add an additional elevator due to the high number of passengers who travel daily through the Upper West Side station. In addition to the elevator, MTA crews installed security cameras, upgraded the security system and made upgrades to mechanical, electrical and communications systems within the elevators at the station.

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY TO PAY FOR PART OF STATION UPGRADES

Columbia University has agreed to partially pay for accessibility upgrades to the No. 1 line’s towering 125th Street station, THE CITY reports. The school will contribute US$33 million for an elevator linking the street with the stop’s mezzanine level and to widen escalators at the southwest corner of Broadway and West 125th Street. The NYC Metropolitan Transit authority (MTA) will cover the costs for two other lifts that will connect to station platforms, along with additional station repairs. The design process is expected to begin this year with the start of construction targeted for 2028. Similar accessibility projects typically take two years to complete, according to MTA officials, with costs ranging between $70 and $80 million. The agreement between the MTA and Columbia marks a major step forward in the years-long campaign by residents and elected officials to make the 121-year-old, 50-ft tall station fully accessible.

MTA ANNOUNCES ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS TO SUBWAYS THIS SPRING

The NYC Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced in April a wave of accessibility upgrades rolling out across 11 subway lines this spring, Time Out New York reports. Newly modernized elevators and escalators are already back in service at major stations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, with more replacements underway systemwide. Recent upgrades include elevator replacements at busy hubs like 14th Street–Union Square and DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, as well as escalator work at stations including 145th Street and Lexington Avenue–63rd Street. Many stations will see full replacements along with upgraded cameras, fire alarms and remote monitoring so crews can respond faster when things go wrong. This should lead to smoother rides and more reliable service in the long term, according to the MTA. In 2025 alone, the MTA completed a record number of elevator replacements. More than 50 elevators across the system are currently in progress or planned, spanning stations in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.

TEI EXPANDS FROM SOUTH FLORIDA INTO PUERTO RICO

Espinosa

TEI Group, headquartered in NYC with a strong and growing presence in the Southeast, in May announced expansion of its Southeast Region into San Juan, Puerto Rico. TEI Executive Vice President Southeast Chad Posey said the San Juan team is fully operational and providing service throughout the island and other locations in the Caribbean, specializing in new installation, service, repair and modernization. Pedro L. Espinosa, an elevator industry professional with nearly 30 years' experience across sales and operations, is leading the new office as vice president. Espinosa got his start in the industry in Miami in 1997 and has spent the past 26 years driving growth and building strong relationships, including in the Puerto Rico market.

ESCALATOR MALFUNCTION AT BROADWAY THEATER INJURES 11 CHILDREN, 1 ADULT IN NYC

Eleven children and one adult were hurt in an escalator accident at the Gershwin Theatre in NYC on the evening of May 13, CBS News is among outlets to report. The incident happened around 5 p.m. inside the theater on West 51st Street, where the musical “Wicked” is being performed in NYC’s Theater District. Police said the escalator suddenly jolted and threw riders forward after a child’s shoelace got stuck. The injured children and adult were taken to area hospitals with minor injuries. The NYC Department of Buildings is investigating the accident.

UPCOMING EVENTS

POP/JOE Memorial Invitational Outing

Glen Head, New York

September 8, 2026 For more information

click here.

NAEC 77th Fall Convention & Exposition

Chicago, Illinois

September 28-October 1, 2026 For more information

visit naec.org

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, Kathleen Farrell 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 2026 © Elevator World, Inc.