Elevator Modernization Solutions

Your Trusted Elevator Modernization Company

Elevator modernization replaces the parts of an existing elevator that are worn, outdated or no longer meet code, such as controllers, drive systems, door operators, cab interiors and safety devices, without the cost and disruption of a full replacement. Mid-American Elevator has delivered elevator modernization solutions for 50 years, using non-proprietary equipment so you are never locked into a single service provider.

Because we work on all major brands, we can upgrade almost any system, whoever originally installed it. From a single controller replacement to a full upgrade of every component, we recommend the right scope for your building and budget.

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What Elevator Modernization Includes

Every building is different, so we tailor each project to the age and condition of your equipment. Most modernizations focus on one or more of the following areas.

Controllers and Drive Systems

Older relay-logic controllers are the most common starting point. Replacing them with modern microprocessor controls and variable-frequency drives improves ride quality, reduces energy use and makes replacement parts easy to source again. In buildings with several elevators, updated dispatching can also shorten wait times without adding new cars.

Door Operators

Doors are one of the most common causes of service calls and entrapments. Modern door operators open and close more smoothly and reliably, which means fewer shutdowns, and they are often one of the quickest upgrades to pay for themselves.

Cab Interiors and Fixtures

We handle a wide selection of cabs to meet every need. Our elevator cab interior design options are available in a variety of modern finishes, like wood, mirror, stainless steel, stone, plastic, and more, along with accessories like custom fixtures, remote diagnostics, integration with building security and smoke alarm systems, and video displays in the cab for information or entertainment. New ADA-compliant fixtures, such as braille buttons and audible signals, can be added at the same time.

Safety Devices and Code Compliance

Updating safety devices, emergency lighting and communication, and fire service recall, which is checked as part of regular FAID testing, brings older equipment in line with current safety codes and ADA standards. Closing elevator compliance gaps reduces your liability exposure and the risk of a forced shutdown after an inspection.

Signs Your Elevator Needs Modernizing

If any of the following sound familiar, it may be time to consider modernization:

  • Frequent service calls, or the same fault coming back again and again
  • Replacement parts that take weeks to arrive or are no longer made
  • Only one contractor is able to service your equipment
  • Complaints about ride quality, such as jerky starts or the car stopping uneven with the floor
  • Inspection findings that keep getting deferred
  • Rising energy costs from older drive equipment
  • Doors that reopen, stick or trip unexpectedly

When two or more of these happen together, modernization is often more cost-effective over the long term than continued repairs.

If you’re dealing with a one-off fault rather than an ageing system, our elevator repair services may be all you need.

Why Undergo Elevator Upgrades?

When an elevator starts needing frequent repairs or shutting down regularly, that’s usually a sign the system is falling behind. And not just mechanically, but in terms of parts availability, code compliance, and long-term supportability.

Elevator upgrades address all of that. A modernized system is safer, more reliable, and more energy-efficient. It handles your building’s traffic better, reduces operating costs, and increases property value. It also keeps older buildings on equal footing with newer ones, which matters when tenants are comparing options.

In regard to compliance, modernization brings your equipment in line with current safety codes and ADA standards, which then reduces your liability exposure and the risk of a forced shutdown. Once the work is done, a proactive elevator maintenance contract is the smartest way to protect what you’ve put into it.

The Modernization Process, Step by Step

  1. Free assessment: We survey the condition of your existing equipment, identify any compliance gaps and provide written recommendations at no charge.
  2. Proposal and submittals: Each proposal clearly defines the scope of work and flags coordination requirements early, so there are fewer surprises later.
  3. Permitting: We handle the required permits and inspections with your local authority.
  4. Equipment and manufacturing: We supply high-quality, non-proprietary equipment, along with operations and maintenance manuals.
  5. Installation: Work is scheduled to keep your building running. In buildings with more than one elevator, we modernize one car at a time.
  6. Testing and handover: Every system is adjusted, tested and inspected before it goes back into service.

Why Building Owners Choose Mid-American Elevator

  • Non-Proprietary Equipment Mid-American Elevator uses only high-quality, non-proprietary equipment when performing modernizations. This enables any qualified elevator company to maintain your equipment. We believe that using non-proprietary equipment is the most important factor an owner should consider for controlling long-term maintenance expenses. Companies that use their own proprietary equipment require special tools to maintain their equipment. These proprietary tools are generally not available to other elevator companies, thus leaving the building owner with only one service company choice, which drives up service and repair costs for two to three decades.
  • Free Assessment and Recommendations Our staff will provide your facility with an assessment of the condition of the existing elevator equipment, including any compliance gaps, and recommendations for upgrading your system(s) and improving performance and reliability, at no charge.
  • We Work with You If you do not have the ability to modernize an entire elevator at one time, we will work with you to develop a modernization plan that can be executed over several years. See our completed projects and current projects for a sense of the work we do.

Request an Elevator Modernization Assessment

Elevator Modernization Solutions FAQs

What does elevator modernization mean?

Elevator modernization is the process of replacing or upgrading the components of an existing elevator, such as controllers, drive systems, door operators, cab interiors, and safety devices, all to improve performance, meet current code requirements, and extend the life of the elevator. It’s not a full replacement. What changes is the equipment that’s worn out, out of date, or out of compliance.

What types of elevators can be modernized?

Most elevator types are good candidates for modernization, including passenger elevators, freight elevators, low, mid, and high-rise elevator systems, and custom configurations. The right approach depends on the age and condition of the equipment, not the elevator type itself. If you’re unsure whether your system qualifies, the free assessment will give you a clear answer. If your building needs a new installation rather than a modernization, we handle those, too. See our commercial elevator installation page for more information.

How long does an elevator modernization take?

The timeline varies based on the scope of work. A partial modernization, such as a controller replacement or cab interior refresh, may take a few days to a few weeks. A full modernization involving all major components can take several weeks to a few months.

How much does elevator modernization cost?

The cost depends on how many components are being replaced, the number of elevators and floors, the type of drive system, the cab finishes you choose and whether any work needs to happen outside business hours. Our free assessment gives you a clear scope and quote based on your building, and larger projects can be phased over several years to spread the cost.

Can tenants use the elevator during modernization?

In buildings with more than one elevator, we modernize one car at a time so the others stay in service. In single-elevator buildings, the elevator will be out of service while the main work is carried out, and we will plan the schedule with you in advance to keep disruption to a minimum.

Can we modernize one elevator at a time to spread the cost?

Yes. If modernizing everything at once is not practical, we will put together a phased plan that upgrades one elevator, or one set of components, at a time over several years.

Will modernization improve energy efficiency?

Yes, and energy efficiency is one of the key benefits of elevator upgrades. Modern drive systems, LED lighting, and intelligent standby modes can significantly reduce electricity consumption compared to older equipment. Many building owners see meaningful reductions in operating costs following modernization, making the project financially attractive in addition to its safety and performance benefits.

What areas does Mid-American Elevator serve?

Mid-American Elevator provides elevator modernization solutions for buildings throughout Washington D.C. and New York, along with Chicago elevator modernization services from our headquarters. Contact us to confirm service availability in your area.


Mid-American Elevator