My client is building a 44 unit mid-rise 4 story building. The architect said he doesn’t need 2 elevators. I disagree. Who’s right? They are 150k each.
Laura Renaldo I've managed several lease ups so I totally understand. The cost to purchase and maintain may not outweigh the benefit of scheduling move ins and move outs, though. I'm curious what the ADA requirements are when there's only one elevator and you're waiting on parts.
Judy Lin Shaw how about a leak that disables and 9th floor heart attack has to wait for emt go carry gurney up down 9 flights stairs...ADA allows for temporary outages.
When the elevator breaks its a horror! I have a 7 story historical bldg with 1 elevator that was down weeks waiting for a part. Lawsuit due to a resident needed to move out...no elevator. 1 resident rented a RV due to not being able to get up and down. Nightmare!
It isn't about right or wrong other than building code minimums.It is about resident experience and convenience.Is this a young professionals community and commuting to work is common ? 3rd and 4th might wait for elevator. 10 or 15 people per floor 6am to 730am ? 4 people every 15 minutes ?2nd floor will take steps in morning if elevator is full each time.And, lastly, trust the architect. They actually know what they are doing for space and systems utilizations.
Get TWO elevators! One breaks down, then one is still usable. Think about furniture movers and having to wait for the lift when it’s at the top floor and you need it on the ground floor.
Financially I understand where he’s coming from however, when the single elevator breaks down (which it will at some point) and you can’t get the parts immediately or the elevator repair people can’t get there fast enough OR he has to pay the after hours price for them to come out at night or on a weekend, he’ll wish he had chosen two.
Outside of ADA requirements you don’t “need” any. Will you get better rents on your upper floors if you have one? Yes. Will you get better rents on your upper floors if you have 2? Little harder to find any objective data to support that purchase….
Trust me, with 11 units per floor and 4 floors, you want one for each end of the building for maximum living experience. I am speaking from experience on both sides. Now, what I'd really be concerned about though, is parking space ratio Are architects still using the outdated 1.5 spaces per apartment??
I have 103 unit 4 story building with 2 wings 1 elevator on each side and you can't cross over. I wish i had 2 elevators on each side. Elevator is down and you're out of luck.
I have a building of 50 units, 5 stories and we only have 1 elevator. Another building is 110 units, 7 stories and we have 2When it goes down it’s a nightmare but it’s very doable for 44 units
Having lived in a building fully occupied with only two elevators for 250 units for the last 5 years - I wonder how often one elevator would break. We have had two occurrences in 5 years. I’m not sure adding a second elevator out of concern of one breaking down makes sense from an investment standpoint.
I had a 45 unit 7 story building and 1 elevator was more than enough. No one had to wait more than 2-3 minutes and that was only during rush hour. The wait was 30 seconds 95% of the day. That being said, if your friend is willing to spend the money to provide a more “luxurious” feel then go for it.
It will break down and residents will complain they can’t get down the steps- disabled people won’t be able to get down steps when it breaks.. I’d suggest two just to be safe and avoid issues