Welcome to the Elevator World News Podcast. Today's podcast is sponsored by elevatorbooks.com: http://www.elevatorbooks.com
WORK ON FIFTH-TALLEST BUILDING TO START THIS YEAR
Construction is scheduled to begin in Dubai this year on what will be the world's fifth-tallest building, ConstructionWeekOnline.com reported in March. The 122-story, 570-m-tall tower, being developed by Azizi Developments at a site on Sheikh Zayed Road, will house residential apartments, topped by 22 floors for a luxury hotel. The developer is in consultation with architectural firm Atkins to finalize the design and plans to begin construction in the third quarter. The AED3-billion (US$816-million) skyscraper is scheduled for completion between 2021 and 2022, though Azizi is hoping to deliver the building on a fast-track basis, as quickly as 39 months.
CARLSBAD REPAIR, MODERNIZATION REACHES MILESTONE
The repair and modernization of the primary elevator system at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico, reached a milestone in March, when the new motors were installed, U.S. News and World Report said in an article, citing the Associated Press. The system, installed in 1955, was shut down in November 2015 when a 6-in. motor shaft sheared off. The repair and modernization began in December 2017. The motors, installed with the use of a large crane, weigh 7,300 lb. and have a lift capacity of 4,000 lb. A park official said the next step will be to install new guide rails. Until the work is complete, access to the caverns is being accommodated by use of secondary elevators and a nature trail.
CANBERRA'S TALLEST TOWER WINS GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
The Urban Developer reports that a developer has received approval from the Australian Capital Territory government for a AUS1-billion (US$770-million) project that will include Canberra's tallest building. "Republic," as the development is known, will be delivered over three phases and will bring 1,213 residential units, a hotel precinct, an amphitheater and retail to the Belconnen district. There will be three high rises, the tallest of which will stand 27 stories, or 113 m, and sport a 100% glazed facade. The developer is Canberra-based Geocon, and the architect is Fender Katsalidis, which is known for several iconic developments around Australia.
ESCALATOR STEP FALLS OFF AT THAILAND TRANSIT STATION
The operator of Bangkok's BTS Skytrain transit system launched systemwide safety checks after a step fell off an escalator at one of the stations serving the Thailand capital, the Bangkok Post reports. A passenger posted on social media that she was about to step on the escalator at the Phaya Thai station on March 19 when the step fell, adding that she narrowly escaped injury. Station personnel immediately closed access to the escalator, which had automatically stopped. The Bangkok Mass Transit System, operator of the system, checked all its escalators as a precaution. The broken escalator was repaired, checked and put back in service the next day.
TWO-TOWER "CULINARY QUARTER" APPROVED FOR WEST LONDON
U.K. architecture firm Scott Brownrigg has gained approval for two mixed-use towers that will transform the west London borough of Acton into a "Culinary Quarter," Global Construction Review reports. The towers, occupying a 7,500-m2 site, will house restaurants, shops and "innovation suites" for tasting, researching and developing food. There will also be 40 serviced offices and 376 residential rental units. The taller tower, at 114 m, will have 36 stories, while the other will stand 82 m and hold 26 floors. Developer Dephna said the project aims to attract small food producers, including internet-based outlets, that cannot afford an entire restaurant.
Image: Global Construction Review:
http://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/twin-towers-set-turn-acton-londons-culinary-quarte/
