NEW YORK, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Otis recently
delivered and installed a custom-made glass elevator to carry
visitors to the Empire State Building's newly renovated 102nd floor
Observatory. The installation essentially completes one of the
largest and most complex modernization projects that Otis has
undertaken in its 166-year history. Otis Elevator Co. supplied the
building's original elevators and is a unit of United Technologies
Corp. (NYSE: UTX).
Otis designed the glass elevator – an Otis Gen2® unit with
steel-reinforced flat belts in place of conventional steel cables –
to deliver a smooth, quiet ride and enhance the experience of
visitors to the 102nd floor Observatory. Now entirely enclosed in
floor-to-ceiling windows, the Observatory provides 360-degree views
of New York City and beyond.
As passengers travel between the 86th and 102nd floors in the
glass elevator, they'll enjoy a light show projected onto the
hoistway wall as a curated soundtrack plays inside the cab. The
102nd floor landing also includes glass hoistway walls that
heighten the sense of being in a glass dome at the top of the
world.
Otis engineered and installed the Empire State Building's
original elevators in 1931 – the fastest and most advanced of their
day. Eighty years later, Empire State Realty Trust entrusted Otis
with the system's modernization.
"We're proud to have a decades-long relationship with this
extraordinary landmark and help them realize their goal of a
one-of-a-kind observatory destination," said Tom Vining, Otis Americas President. "We had a
shared vision to create an unforgettable passenger experience,
while improving the elevators' energy efficiency. We're excited to
see our technology come together, and we look forward to welcoming
visitors to the top of one of the world's most famous
buildings."
The modernization, which began in 2011, also saves time and
energy, boosting overall efficiency. With Otis ReGen® drive
regenerative technology, the modernized elevator system uses 50-75
percent less energy than the original system. Regenerative
technology captures energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat
and returns it to the building's power grid for use by other
systems. Otis' CompassPlus® intelligent dispatching technology gets
passengers to their destination 50 percent faster during peak
travel periods than the original system.
"Our 102nd floor Observatory is a key aspect of our newly
reimagined visitor experience," said Jean-Yves Ghazi, President, Empire State
Building Observatory. "The all-glass mast car was custom-made at
our request to make a visit to the 102nd floor simply
unforgettable. We knew Otis would help bring our vision to life and
we have enjoyed working with them to create this modern work of
art."
Today, the building's elevators safely transport 10 million
tenants, guests and visitors each year. These elevators play an
integral role in nearly every visit to the Empire State Building,
transporting passengers from the ground floor to the Observation
Deck and every floor in between. Otis field professionals are
onsite 24/7 at the Empire State Building to support the safe,
smooth operation of the building's elevators and escalators.
About Otis
Otis is the world's leading manufacturer
and maintainer of people-moving products, including elevators,
escalators and moving walkways. Founded more than 165 years ago by
the inventor of the safety elevator, Otis offers products and
services through its companies in approximately 200 countries and
territories. Otis is a unit of United Technologies Corp., a leading
provider to the aerospace and building systems industries
worldwide. By combining a passion for science with precision
engineering, the company is creating smart, sustainable solutions
the world needs. For more information, visit www.otis.com or follow
Otis on LinkedIn, YouTube and as @OtisElevatorCo on Twitter,
Facebook and Instagram.
CONTACT: Jodi Hynes,
561-365-1455, jodi.hynes@otis.com
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SOURCE Otis