As vertical development accelerates throughout Illinois and the Chicago metro area, the stakes for new elevator installations in offices and multifamily buildings continue to rise. We see this firsthand with clients who expect not only smooth people movement, but also asset resilience, schedule certainty, and full compliance with Illinois’ changing elevator regulations. In this practical guide, we’ll break down what decision-makers, architects, and owners need to know about selecting and delivering successful traction and hydraulic elevator packages for new builds across the region.
Understanding Illinois’ Elevator Landscape: Regulatory and Permitting Essentials
If you are starting a new elevator project anywhere in suburban Chicago or wider Illinois, there are two parallel rulebooks: the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) oversees most of the state, while the City of Chicago runs its own elevator program. Suburban projects usually require compliance with both state and municipal codes, and changing rules mean your RFPs and design documents need to be forward-looking.
- 2025–2026 Code Transition: Illinois is moving to the ASME A17.1-2022 code, introducing new safety layers like mandatory Door Lock Monitoring (DLM) on all automatic passenger and freight elevators permitted after January 1, 2026.
- Permitting Flow: You will need a licensed elevator contractor, project-specific elevator and building permits, and both in-process and final inspections—administered by OSFM or a designated local authority.
- Plan for the Future: DLM upgrades for existing elevators are required by January 1, 2029, so initial design should always consider downstream modernization.
Choosing Between Traction and Hydraulic: Matching Solutions to Your Project
One of our first conversations with any developer or architect is about matching elevator technology to building use, height, and budget. Let’s break down what typically works best in Chicago-area office and multifamily construction:
- Machine Room-Less (MRL) Traction Elevators: Best for mid- to high-rise buildings, delivering premium ride quality up to around 200–250 feet (typically 12–40 stories) at speeds ranging from 350 to 700 feet per minute. MRL units avoid the space and cost of a traditional machine room.
- Conventional Geared/Gearless Traction: Ideal for high-traffic, high-rise uses (office towers, luxury residential) requiring speeds well over 500 feet per minute and higher performance dispatch. These systems allow for taller structures.
- Hydraulic Elevators: Efficient for low- and mid-rise buildings (2–5 stories, up to around 60 feet), cost-controlled developments, or where speed is not the top driver. Typical baseline: 2,500–3,500 lb at 100–150 feet per minute, with simple machine room space at the base.
For a deeper comparison between technologies, including cost, speed, and power requirements, our post on Hydraulic vs. Traction Elevators for New Construction is an excellent reference.
Designing for the New Illinois Code: Capacity, Car Design, and Safety Features
We believe specification work is where projects are won or lost—good design prevents costly RFIs and schedule delays. Here’s how we approach the core decisions for Chicago-area new installations:
- Capacity & Car Size
- Multifamily: 2,500–3,500 lb traction elevators at 350 fpm for mid/high-rise; 1 car per 80–120 units, subject to traffic analysis.
- Class A Office: 3,500–4,000 lb, 350–500 fpm; 1 car per 35,000–45,000 rentable square feet (tuned to project needs).
- Low-Rise (Office/Multifamily): 2,100–3,500 lb hydraulic at 100–150 fpm. Always check stretcher compliance if required by code.
- Door Configuration & Door Lock Monitoring
- Center-opening for primary units, side-opening for squeezed hoistways or retrofits.
- DLM-compliant controls and equipment must be in the base package for all installs permitted after January 1, 2026.
- Elevator Aesthetics & Rider Experience
- Walls: Stainless steel, PVC, glass, or premium panel systems for specialty designs.
- Floors: Durable stone, stainless or other commercial-grade finishes.
- Ceilings & Lighting: LED, stainless, or custom design statement options.
- Control Panels: Modern push-button or touch controls, including destination dispatch for commercial riders seeking reduced wait times.
Cabin design should not be an afterthought, as finishes and feature sets are part of how spaces lease—aligning design with lobby and hallway plans pays dividends.
Compliance, Inspections, and Project Flow: Avoiding Delays in Illinois
From schematic stage to final handoff, local rules drive elevator permitting. We typically recommend:
- Engage your elevator partner early; confirm jurisdiction and code path (Chicago versus OSFM or local AHJ).
- Reference ASME A17.1-2022 and DLM explicitly in construction specs, not just as an addendum item.
- Secure building and elevator permits according to local requirements—some municipalities require elevator shop drawings even before core permit submissions.
- Schedule in-process inspections as requested by OSFM or local officials; gather all final testing documentation ahead of completion.
- After completion, obtain the required certificate of operation prior to occupancy.
Service documentation, including records of all fire service and emergency operations tests, should be stored on-site and tracked digitally. Our maintenance program is aligned with these expectations, providing monthly service, repair documentation, and rapid emergency response.
Lifecyle Planning: Looking Beyond Initial Installation
- Service Life: Well-maintained elevators in Illinois typically deliver 20–30+ years before needing major modernization.
- Maintenance: Monthly service, including inspection, lubrication, safety and fire testing, is industry best practice. Clear documentation ensures future compliance when codes shift or DLM retrofits are required.
- Modernization Ready: Design control systems for easy future upgrades and standardize components across fleets where possible to simplify service and future parts support.
For further insights on reliability during the critical first year of a new install, check out our guidance on new install reliability and weatherproofing.
Sample Illinois New Build Scenarios: How We Approach Real Projects
- 12-Story Multifamily (Chicago Suburb, Mid-2026 Permit):
- Three 3,500 lb MRL traction cars at 350 fpm.
- All controls and doors fully ASME A17.1-2022 and DLM compliant from installation.
- LED, regenerative drives, and marble-look interior finishes align with lobby and brand vision.
- Service program activated at TCO for smooth turnover.
- 4-Story Medical Office (DuPage County):
- Two 3,500 lb hydraulic cars at 150 fpm, machine room at grade, oversized doors for hospital stretchers.
- Brushed stainless and easy-clean surfaces specified for long-term durability.
- Fire service/emergency documentation schedule aligned with OSFM requirements.
Project Checklist for Chicago-Area Developers, Owners, and GCs
- Confirm which permitting authority (City of Chicago or OSFM/local AHJ) governs your project.
- Identify whether project permits fall before or after January 1, 2026 to lock in correct code and DLM compliance.
- Pin down shaft layout, car capacity, and finish strategy early for smoother traffic and leasing outcomes.
- Integrate elevator planning at the schematic design stage, including pit, overhead, and machine space specs.
- Define lifecycle service and modernization planning to protect your long-term investment.
How We Support New Elevator Installations in Illinois
At Kaiser Elevator, our team brings together technical expertise and hands-on project delivery, ensuring that your elevator installation meets both project vision and every applicable piece of Illinois regulation. Whether you need:
- Early traffic analysis, spec-ready drawing packages, or help navigating code changes
- Factory-engineered supply and professional installation for traction or hydraulic systems
- Long-term service, testing, and emergency response from a single coordinator
We manage the details so you can focus on what matters most to your team and your occupants.
Continue Your Research, or Get in Touch
For related elevator topics, including detailed comparisons or region-specific best practices, you may find value in exploring:
- Pit and Pump Room Planning for Hydraulics
- Spec-Ready Traction Installations Nationwide
- National Commercial Elevator Installation & Compliance
If you are in the preconstruction or permitting phase for your next Illinois office or multifamily project, reach out to us directly via our contact page or by phone at +1 (888) 274 6025. We are always ready to review your plans and provide tailored recommendations on traction or hydraulic packages, ensuring compliance, long-term performance, and enhanced building value.
