Upgrade What Matters: Performance, Safety, Aesthetics, and Compliance

Whether you are dealing with outdated equipment, increasing repair costs, or changing tenant expectations, modernizing your elevator system is one of the smartest investments you can make in your building.

At the Chicago Elevator Company, we bring decades of experience to every modernization project helping you increase ride quality, reduce energy costs, and meet evolving safety and accessibility codes.

Why Modernize?

Improve ride smoothness, reliability, and wait times
Lower energy usage and operating costs
Reduce breakdowns and emergency service calls
Comply with current safety, ADA, and fire code regulations
Enhance aesthetics and property value

Our Modernization & Upgrade Services

Controller & Drive System Upgrades

Modern control systems increase reliability, speed, and energy efficiency. We replace outdated relay logic or early microprocessor units with intelligent controllers that offer better diagnostics, smoother operation, and compliance with today’s safety codes.

Elevator shaft maintenance. cable control

Traction Elevator Modernization

Upgrade aging traction systems with new motors, new machines, drives, brakes, and cables. We improve everything from speed control to vibration and noise levels, ensuring a quieter, smoother ride focused on passenger comfort.

U.S. Senate Halls of Congress Elevators in Washington, DC

Hydraulic Elevator Modernization

We replace worn-out jacks, power units, valves, and controls to improve safety and efficiency. Our hydraulic upgrades are ideal for mid-rise buildings and include leak prevention and more eco-friendly fluid systems.

a stair lift for the disabled, wheel chair lift for stairs. Mechanical chair lift taking disabled or aged people up and down stairs.

LULA & Chair Lift Replacement

Replace non-compliant or outdated lifts with ADA-compliant alternatives. We modernize low-rise transport systems to ensure safe, accessible mobility for all building users, especially in commercial or institutional settings.

Machine Room-Less (MRL) Conversions & Upgrades

Transition to space-saving MRL systems that eliminate the need for a traditional machine room. Ideal for modernization projects where space is limited and energy efficiency is a top priority.

Aesthetic & Functional Upgrades

Cab Interior Finishes

From sleek stainless steel to warm woodgrain laminates, our interior upgrades bring your elevator up to modern design standards. We update panels, ceilings, handrails, lighting, and flooring to improve aesthetics and comfort.

Fixtures

Upgrade call buttons, digital indicators, and car operating panels for better usability and code compliance. Modern visual displays can also be integrated.

Door Equipment

New door operators, sensors, and restrictors reduce the likelihood of entrapments and service disruptions. We also adjust door timing and safety edge sensitivity for smoother, safer operation.

Performance / Ride Quality Tuning

We fine-tune acceleration, deceleration, and floor leveling to ensure a premium ride experience with minimized noise and vibration, essential in luxury or high-traffic buildings.

Energy Efficiency Enhancements

We offer LED lighting, regenerative drives, and standby modes that reduce energy consumption.

Safety & ADA Compliance

All upgrades are installed with code compliance in mind. This includes illuminated emergency communication systems, compliant button layouts, audible floor indicators, and compliant door reopening devices.

What to Expect From a Modernization Project

Comprehensive site and equipment evaluation
Transparent capital planning with phased options
Detailed timeline and installation coordination
Code-compliant execution and inspection management
Minimal tenant disruption and clean job sites

Stay Ahead of Problems. Stay In Compliance.

Whether you need a basic lube plan or a fully managed service contract, we will design a program that fits your elevator and your budget.