Over the summer, Concordians can expect to see the finished installation of the first new escalator in the Henry F. Hall Building lobby. It is the first step in improving the traffic flow in the bustling 45-year-old building.
Once installed, the escalator at the east side of the lobby will bring building users from the lobby to the mezzanine. A permanent stairway will also be built on the east side.
In 2012, the west escalator will be replaced and a matching set of stairs will be installed from the mezzanine down to the lobby. While the escalators on the upper floors are modular, the two in the lobby must each be delivered in one piece.
The delivery of the east escalator was accomplished on the May 23 holiday, to limit disruption to building users and required the removal of a front window of the building. Getting the piece into the lobby required five hours. The work on floors nine through 12 continues with the installation of ceramic tiles, drywall and modifications to the sprinkler system.
The new escalators also boast the ability to withstand earthquakes, a relatively new feature for such equipment.
Questions about the project should be directed to the Service Centre at 514-848-2424, ext. 2400.
Related links:
• “Escalator project rolling right along” – NOW, March 16, 2011
• “Escalator replacement update” – NOW, May 10, 2011
