Why Choose Chicago Elevator: What Sets Us Apart

Not all elevator companies operate the same way. Most of the time, that difference stays hidden. But it becomes obvious when something goes wrong.

A contractor who cannot get parts. A service call that takes days. A violation notice with no one accountable to help you resolve it.

Chicago Elevator was built on three simple things that are rare in this industry: clear communication, quality work, and trust. Read on to learn exactly what that looks like in practice and why it matters for building owners and property managers we work with.

50+ Years of Local Elevator Experience

Five decades in the Chicago elevator market is not just a number. It represents thousands of service calls, hundreds of buildings, and a depth of knowledge that only time can provide.

Chicago Elevator has grown through strategic acquisitions, each one bringing additional technical capability and institutional knowledge to the team.

Our history also means strong, working relationships with local inspectors and code authorities across the region. When your elevator is due for inspection or a violation needs to be resolved quickly, those connections translate into faster turnaround and fewer surprises.

A Full Suite of Services Under One Roof

Chicago Elevator handles everything: maintenance, modernization, repairs, installation, and code compliance. Every service is available on a standalone basis or as part of a long-term maintenance partnership tailored to your building’s specific needs.

Having one accountable partner for all of it reduces gaps, eliminates miscommunication between contractors, and simplifies building management. The team that maintains your elevator is the same team that handles repairs and compliance. This level of curated, comprehensive service is hard to come by, and that’s why we pride ourselves on it.

Proactive Maintenance to Prevents Problems Before They Start

Waiting until something breaks is one of the most expensive ways to manage an elevator system.

Chicago Elevator’s preventive maintenance program covers routine inspections, lubrication, door system checks, safety testing, performance evaluations, preventive component replacement, and digital reporting.

We also provide customized Maintenance Control Programs (MCPs), which are required under the Illinois state code. These are tailored to each building’s specific equipment and usage patterns, not generic templates applied across the board.

The result is less downtime, longer equipment life, and elevators that are inspection-ready year-round, not just in the weeks leading up to a scheduled visit.

Fast & Reliable Repairs: 24/7 Emergency Response

When an elevator goes down in a residential building, a medical facility, or a commercial high-rise, response time matters.

Chicago Elevator provides rapid-response 24/7 emergency service. Our repair capabilities cover door system failures, electrical issues, hydraulic leaks, controller malfunctions, ride quality problems, and emergency shutdowns.

We service all elevator makes and models, including both independent and OEM systems. No building is turned away because the equipment does not match a preferred brand list.

If you need urgent support, just get in touch with our team and we’ll get back to you ASAP.

Modernization That Brings Aging Elevators Back to Full Performance

Aging elevator systems do not fail all at once. Reliability drops, maintenance costs climb, and safety concerns surface over time. That is when modernization becomes the right call.

Chicago Elevator’s modernization services include controller replacements, door operator upgrades, cab interiors, safety code updates, ADA compliance upgrades, and energy-efficient enhancements. Every project is built around the building’s operational needs and budget, with a phased approach designed to minimize disruption to tenants and daily operations. When it comes to budgets, we focus on providing creation solutions that can be both affordable and sustainable for each building’s needs.

Since we use non-proprietary equipment, once the work is complete you are not locked into a manufacturer’s parts ecosystem or forced into ongoing service contracts. You own your system.

Code Compliance Expertise

Elevator regulations in Chicago are complex and regularly updated. For building owners who are not in it every day, compliance can feel like a moving target.

Chicago Elevator manages the full compliance process: annual and periodic inspections, Category 1 and 5 testing, permit management, violation corrections, and documentation and certification support. Our local code knowledge means fewer surprises during inspections and faster resolution when something needs to be corrected.

Compliance is an ongoing part of the service relationship, not a one-time fix. It is built into how we maintain and monitor your equipment year-round.

How Chicago Elevator Compares

Our local specialization, history of service, and approach to each project we work on sets us apart from many other elevator companies.

National Brands

National elevator companies often lead with scale, but that scale comes with trade-offs. Proprietary systems and rigid contracts limit your options and drive up long-term costs.

Chicago Elevator’s non-proprietary approach eliminates that lock-in. No manufacturer restrictions, no forced contracts, full flexibility over the life of the equipment.

Since our ownership is local and direct, decisions get made faster, and communication is more transparent. There is no corporate chain to navigate when you need an answer.

Other Local Companies

Local elevator companies vary widely in what they can actually deliver. Many handle basic maintenance or simple repairs, but lack the depth for modernization, new installations, or complex code-compliance work.

Chicago Elevator’s full range of services across maintenance, modernization, installation, and compliance is a standard most local competitors cannot match. Not to mention our fair market pricing ensures you get the highest value possible, from a combination of our team’s hands-on support, affordable equipment solutions, and comprehensiveness.

Certified union mechanics, customized MCPs, and 24/7 availability require real, sustained investment. That combination of local accountability and 50+ years of specialized expertise is what makes the difference on difficult jobs.

Owner-Led, Locally Accountable & Built for the Long Term

Mike Askren, Steve Kowalewicz, and Ed Reardon are directly involved in daily operations. When building owners work with Chicago Elevator, they work with decision-makers, not account managers who escalate every question up a chain. This makes working with our team a smooth process no matter your level of experience with elevator contractors.

The leadership team brings long-time, big-company industry experience combined with the personal investment that comes with direct ownership. We value integrity in everything we do, and it shows.

That means professional depth and direct accountability from the first call forward. Building owners know who is responsible and have access to the people who can act, and our team is also there to lean on if you need deeper explanations so you can feel well informed.

Ready to Work With an Elevator Company That Delivers?

Chicago Elevator is built for building owners and property managers who want a dependable, transparent, and experienced elevator partner for the long term.

Whether you are evaluating maintenance providers, planning a modernization project, or dealing with a code violation, we provide honest guidance and a clear path forward.

Get in touch today to request a consultation or quote