Page 23 - BOMA Spring 2017 Insider

destination to get them there in the “Though the elevator modernization
shortest amount of time, and with the was not a necessary item to do, Artis
fewest stops. Completed in 2015, it is saw the expenditure as one that would
the first of its kind in Manitoba. demonstrate their commitment to the

Now, as tenants enter the building, they betterment of the property, would hold
simply type in their destination via the significant value to the tenants and
strategically-placed keypads. They are validate to the community Artis’ intention
then notified what elevator to gather in of long term ownership of the building,”
front of, oftentimes not having to wait at says Ziemski.
all. The elevator cab interiors also received
a modernization of their own. Designed
Unlike traditional elevator systems,
passengers do not select the floor they by Ray Wan Architects, the “80’s pink”
are going to within the elevator cab granite flooring and mirrored walls were
itself; passengers who are heading to replaced with white glass, stainless steel
the same floor will already have been and wood slat features that provide a
directed to the same elevator. light and airy feel.
The system moves people significantly Over the nearly two-year project, one
faster than conventional elevator Passengers enter their destination new elevator (operating on the new
systems and reduces system energy (floor) into a keypad outside of the system) was installed every four months,
consumption by as much as 27 percent, elevator and Ziemski notes that the teams from
as it minimizes stops and places 220 Portage property management
elevators in standby mode when not and Otis worked diligently to keep any
"Gathering together travelers that are “ Gathering together disruption to tenants at a minimum.
being used.
Once completed, every aspect and

going to the same floors and eliminating travelers that are going to the component of the elevators from cab
interiors to all mechanical and electrical
the needless starts and stops that so same floor and eliminating components had been upgraded,
often happen in high rise elevator trips the needless stops and starts refurbished, or replaced.
makes this system so advantageous,” that happen so often in high
says Ziemski. “This is the first destination dispatching
rise elevator trips makes this elevator system in the city, and we were
Along with the new elevators, EMS very pleased that its showcased at 220
Panorama™ was also installed at system so advantageous. ” Portage” says Mark Antunes, General
the building’s security desk. EMS Manager for Otis in Winnipeg. “Sue and
Panorama™ is an elevator management Doug and the entire Artis REIT team
system with a comprehensive interface were great to work with, and we’re all
for building staff to control elevator and thrilled with the result.”
escalator functions.
Otis has now installed CompassPlus™
Add to that, new elevator screens were destination dispatching systems in more
also installed in the building lobby that than 250 cities spanning 55 countries.
display the date, current weather report, Antunes notes that although Artis may
stock market ticker, headline news, and be the first user of CompassPlus™
sports and politics. Artis also has the destination dispatching in Manitoba,
ability to display customized messages they certainly won’t be the last.
to tenants regarding upcoming events,
environmental initiatives, building “There are several building owners
maintenance notices holidays, and fire who are now looking to add destination
drills. dispatching to their buildings. This
includes the True North Square office
Ziemski says that the changes tower, which will come online in the
demonstrate Artis REIT’s willingness to summer of 2018,” says Antunes. “So
continuously reinvest in and improve Artis has definitely been the trendsetter
upon its properties. here in Winnipeg.” ■

BOMA MANITOBA INSIDER | ISSUE 7 | SPRING 2017 22