Elevators play a vital role in ensuring our campus remains accessible for all students, staff, and visitors. While essential for navigating campus buildings, they often go unnoticed until they stop working. Campus elevator foreman Aimee Spivey knows all about the intricate mechanisms that make these transportation devices function and works daily to make sure that they are operating at the highest level possible. We sat down with Aimee to learn more about a long-term elevator modernization project currently underway on campus. 

The mechanics of elevators are complex and the technology that allows them to run is ever-changing, says Aimee. Elevator technology can become obsolete, making it impossible to make repairs without overhauling the entire elevator. To combat this problem, elevators are modernized every 20-25 years, ensuring they have updated technology and can be easily repaired if need be. Elevator controllers, equipment, interiors, doors, and other parts are completely updated to meet modern technological standards. Currently, eight elevator modernizations are occurring or are scheduled to occur across campus. 

The first of these modernizations started in January at Tupper Hall. The building’s two elevators are almost completely modernized as of June! Work on elevators at Meyer Hall and Shields Library started recently, with one elevator at each location currently being worked on. The other elevators at Meyer and Shields, as well as those in Hart Hall and the Art Building, will be worked on over the summer. Next on the list are the Sprocket Building and Young Hall, with updates expected to wrap up in Fall 2025! 

Elevator modernizations are being completed by an external contractor due to the scope of the work being done. Modernization is very different from service and repair, says Aimee, and our elevator mechanics do not have the large-scale equipment necessary to complete such major renovations. As funding is received, modernizations will eventually take place for all elevators on campus! Aimee is excited to be completing these projects to ensure that issues of obsolescence can be prevented in the future. 

This project ties into campus strategic goals of safety, sustainability, and innovation. Ensuring that elevators are safe and available when needed is of utmost importance. New technology also offers sustainable and innovative solutions for elevator maintenance.  As modernizations occur throughout campus, our campus community will enjoy the benefits of a safe, accessible, and sustainable campus environment.