Empire Elevator Co., Inc. completed the major elevator modernization at the Richelieu Hotel, San Francisco, CA in late 2001.  The job consisted of the complete renovation and conversion of two separate vintage Otis basement winding drum passenger elevators.  The elevators, installed in the late teens or early 20s, were originally powered by city DC electricity but were upgraded to AC automatic operation in more recent years.  After approximately 80+ years of operation, despite quality continuing service, it was time for a comprehensive upgrade. 

We consulted with the owner regarding their long range building plans, their specific elevator needs as a functioning hotel, their budget, etc.  We then evaluated the various elevator subcomponents and systems regarding their viability for retention or need of replacement.  Our engineering department conducted an onsite consultation with the state elevator senior safety engineer for the jurisdiction to determine how to comply with the elevator and building codes.  Dealing with an existing, older facility necessitates accommodating spatial and structural constraints, requiring creative solutions to problems.

It is determined that the best solution for this project is to convert the obsolete basement winding drum type elevator system to a modern geared basement traction drive system.  In addition to replacing the drive machines, the old underweight sash weight type counterweights would have to be replaced.  The overhead rope sheaves have to be replaced as will the overspeed governors.  The heavier counterweights will require the counterweight guiderails to be reinforced.  The car guiderails will also be reinforced to bring the entire system up to structural standards and current seismic compliance.  New solid state, variable voltage, variable frequency - alternating current (VVVF-AC) control and drive systems will be installed along with accurate hoistway tape selectors, switches and all new wiring.  Finally, new car interior finishes were installed along with new ADA compliant operating fixtures in the car and lobbies.   

The next stage was to thoroughly design and engineer the complete alteration.  This begins with an extensive site survey conducted by our engineering team comprised of an experienced elevator designer and a California licensed structural engineer.  They field measured, sketched and digitally photographed all aspects of the elevator systems.  Means to strengthen the connection between the building structure and the existing guiderails had to be determined.  As were the designs for anchoring the new geared traction drive machines to the basement structure.  This was accomplished without demolishing the existing machine bases or the pit and machine room structures.  Instead, connections were made via adapter plates and structural beams to both the old machine bases and the surrounding concrete building structure. 

Following the survey came the final design stage which included the preparation of layout and fabrication drawings.  By largely "reverse engineering" the existing elevator systems and then designing the new equipment interfaced within the dimensional constraints using scaled AutoCAD drafting, care can be taken to certify that all equipment will fit and function as needed.  The structural elements are designed and certified for the required strength through calculations employing both the elevator code and structural engineering standards.

Feel free to view the elevator shop drawings prepared for elevator #2 of this project.  Simply click of the drawing to the left and the full drawings will open in a separate window in   PDF format.  To see drawings in landscape view, click on your Adobe Reader's Rotate Counterclockwise image button.  Note drawings cannot be printed or altered.  All drawings and artwork are the property of RCB Elevator Consulting, LLC and may not be used, copied, or in anyway used without the owner's consent.

The old Otis flat head DC motor basement winding drum drive machine.

Bottom of car, safeties and slide guides.

Overhead sheaves & flyball governor.

New Hollister Whitney geared basement traction drive machine with efficient Imperial VVVF-AC drive motor.

New machine structural anchorage & pit recessed spring buffers.

New overhead rope sheaves and overspeed governor.