The modernization and upgrading of two patient/staff elevators in the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center University Hospital East, took planning and precision as they are in the path of critical care within the hospital. It was imperative that the modernization project focused on the improvement of patient care along this path. The main goals of this project were to modernize the elevators so that they run on a reliable service; increase the speed of the cars; increase the light levels and quality to allow for assessments of patients, and upgrade the outdated finishes. In addition, the design includes an increase in the depth of the elevators so that patient gurneys may be transported.
This project upgraded and modernized gearless elevators, #10 and #11. The upgrades included New elevator controllers, machines, and other elevator components; new elevator cab interiors, a new elevator machine room enclosure, and electric, plumbing, and HVAC serving the elevators. This project was performed while remaining open to the public, patients, and staff of the hospital during the construction phase. The work was phased such that one of the two cars was operational at all times during construction.