CHA begins elevator construction at Hedger, Castleman as part of $152 million modernization initiative

Apr 10, 2019
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Press contacts:
Office of Communications – Chicago Housing Authority
Molly Sullivan: (312) 786-3344; msullivan@thecha.org
Matthew Aguilar: (312) 935-2646; maguilar@thecha.org

CHICAGO (April 10, 2019) – New elevator systems are being installed as work gets underway on the Elevator Modernization Program at Caroline Hedger and William Castleman apartments, the first two CHA properties to undergo a total elevator overhaul as part of the $152 million modernization program that is upgrading elevators in CHA’s 86 properties.

Work on the Hedger and Castleman elevators is expected to be completed this summer, with work at the other properties being phased in as bids are issued and contracts approved. Plans call for work to get underway on 39 properties between now and the end of 2019, with the remainder to start in 2020.

This is the largest such undertaking in more than 20 years and includes the modernization and rehabilitation of 150 elevators, mostly in high-rise buildings, that serve thousands of CHA residents, visitors and employees daily.

“This work will not only improve elevator reliability and performance, but will cut costs on future repairs,” said Matt Mosher, Deputy Chief of Capital Construction. “Many of these elevators have been used 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, and have served thousands of residents, visitors and employees every day since the late 1950s and 60s and wear-and-tear over time has been significant.”

Due to industry equipment upgrades, many of the parts needed for older elevator models in CHA buildings are obsolete and can no longer be ordered.

The upgrades will also shorten the time needed for repairs.

The investment in the Elevator Modernization Program will ensure that all CHA buildings have the modern elevator systems that are common in other buildings across the city. The improvements include modernization of not only the elevators themselves, but related systems such as in-elevator phones and fire alarms that align with the newest technology.

CHA anticipates work will be completed on all 150 elevators by 2021 and will be phased in based on priorities identified during the general building needs assessments conducted at each property.