Pennsylvania’s construction landscape is evolving fast — and so are expectations for vertical transportation. As specialists who help real estate developers, general contractors, and property managers across the state, we’ve seen how decisions around elevator selection for new builds can affect cost, code compliance, project timelines, and building marketability for decades to come. In this blog, we dig deep into traction and hydraulic elevator packages for new construction, discussing what you need to know to make an informed, future-proof choice for commercial, residential, hospitality, or institutional projects in Pennsylvania.
Why Elevator Selection Is More Critical in Pennsylvania’s New Builds
The unique combination of new zoning, labor rates, accessibility mandates, and energy codes in cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and all across Pennsylvania means elevator selection isn’t just about moving people — it’s about minimizing risk and maximizing value for owners, developers, and occupants. We regularly encounter questions about how best to align elevator system type with building type, service expectations, and lifecycle budget.
Traction vs Hydraulic: What’s the Real Difference in New Construction?
- Traction Elevators: Use high-strength steel ropes/cables and counterweights. Ideal for medium/high-rise commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, and institutional builds. Known for smooth, fast, and energy-efficient travel over longer vertical distances.
- Hydraulic Elevators: Rely on a piston and hydraulic fluid. Best fit for low-rise projects (traditionally up to 6 stories). These deliver robust lifting power, simpler pit and overhead requirements, and are cost-effective for jobs where speed and ride frequency are moderate.
For owners and developers who want a side-by-side guide, we recommend reviewing our Hydraulic vs. Traction Elevators for New Construction resource for a detailed breakdown of cost, speed, travel distance, and power needs.
Design & Code-Compliance: Pennsylvania’s Requirements for New Builds
The latest Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC), modelled on the International Building Code (IBC), brings consistent safety and accessibility standards, but every project still requires careful review to ensure:
- ADA compliance and local accessibility requirements (door width, cab size, controls, audio/visual signals)
- Fire and seismic safety (fire-rated doors, shaft pressurization, emergency power, and interlocks)
- Inspection and permitting timelines that can impact delivery and handover
At Kaiser Elevator, we provide full-scope support, from code interpretation and spec-ready drawings to scheduling and interface with municipal inspectors. Our in-house engineering team proactively helps clients avoid late-stage RFIs or costly redesigns.
Traction Elevator Packages: When to Use Them in Pennsylvania Projects
Traction elevators are the gold standard for speed, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability in projects such as:
- Commercial office towers, medical centers, or urban mixed-use properties where smooth high-frequency service is essential
- Education, government, and institution projects requiring robust, low-maintenance vertical transport over multiple levels
- Residential mid/high-rise developments looking for quiet operation, accessibility, and advanced control features
Our traction elevator packages provide a spectrum of customization options, including metal, marble, and glass finishes, as well as energy-efficient LED lighting and regenerative drives to support Pennsylvania’s growing focus on sustainability in construction.
Hydraulic Elevator Packages: The Go-To for Pennsylvania’s Low and Mid-Rise Construction
Hydraulic elevators remain a preferred option for low- and mid-rise buildings in Pennsylvania, including:
- Multi-family residential, boutique hotels, and medical clinics
- Retail or low-rise commercial offices with moderate traffic
- Renovations and additions where a compact pit or low overhead simplifies installation
Our hydraulic packages are tailored to Pennsylvania sites — providing code-compliant, value-engineered solutions with a host of car finishes, integrated safety systems, and simple maintenance pathways for property managers. Hydraulic systems typically offer lower upfront costs and quicker install times, which can streamline critical-path scheduling, especially for fast-track development.
Lifecycle Planning: Cost, Serviceability, and Rider Experience
We encourage every client to weigh up-front investment against total cost of ownership. Some key considerations include:
- Initial procurement and installation costs — traction systems are generally higher but save on energy and maintenance over decades
- Expected passenger volume, stop frequency, and future flexibility
- Site readiness and preconstruction essentials like shaft coordination, power supply, and pit depth (see our resource on preconstruction planning for elevators)
- Long-term maintenance requirements — monthly servicing is recommended, and we provide 24/7 emergency response for all installations
Cabin Design, Rider Comfort, and Customization
It’s not just about the ride — it’s about experience, aesthetics, and accessibility. We offer clients a wide range of design options to meet the branding and comfort requirements of Pennsylvania’s highly competitive commercial and multi-family spaces:
- Ceiling options: mirror stainless, PVC, custom LED panels
- Walls, floors, and doors: brushed or mirror stainless, marble, and glass
- Advanced control panels: touch or push-button, backlit for visual accessibility
- Handrails and customizable doors to enhance comfort and safety
All packages are built to American safety standards, from emergency stop buttons and backup power to fire-rated doors and communication systems.
Streamlining Delivery and Minimizing Project Risk
Schedule overruns and late-stage RFIs on elevator and vertical transport are a chronic risk in new construction projects statewide. We’ve invested in workflows and project management approaches that minimize these risks by:
- Delivering spec-ready submittals and value-engineered packages
- Coordinating directly with architects, MEP teams, and site supers
- Simplifying inspection, permitting, and start-up/commissioning (see more about commissioning for new installations)
Sustainability, Energy-Efficiency, and Modernization Pathways
Pennsylvania’s market is increasingly driven by green building targets and operational efficiency. Traction elevators (especially those with regenerative drives and LED systems) deliver best-in-class efficiency, but we also engineer hydraulic packages focused on low-energy operation, oil containment, and future-ready modernization pathways for long-term value.
Making the Right Choice: Key Steps to a Successful Elevator Project in Pennsylvania
- Assess your building’s height, traffic patterns, and intended user experience
- Get code and compliance guidance early to avoid costly changes
- Value engineering — work with contractors who can simplify specs, minimize scope creep, and anticipate inspection bottlenecks
- Plan for service and modernization from day one; good maintenance planning extends design life and saves money long-term
- Prioritize safety, accessibility, and aesthetics that will support your brand for decades
Further Resources: Taking the Next Step
If you’re mapping out a Pennsylvania new construction project and need a deeper dive into:
- Budget planning (see 2026 Budget Guide for Traction vs. Hydraulic Elevators)
- Risk controls and fast-tracking schedules
- Preconstruction traffic analysis and coordination
- Design-build vs. design-bid-build scenarios
— we have rounded up detailed internal resources that provide actionable insights.
Connect With Us
Helping Pennsylvania’s owners, developers, architects, and property professionals deliver exceptional elevator experiences — that’s our mandate. If you’d like tailored advice, spec-ready drawings, or a quote for your new build, visit Kaiser Elevator. Our team is ready to partner from pre-design through commissioning, setting you up for decades of success in your next vertical transportation project.
