Archive for the ‘Articles’ Category
Federal Tax Incentives For Building/Elevator Restoration Work
Tuesday, August 4th, 2009
Did you know that if you have an old historic building preserving the historic look of it can qualify it for a tax credit? What are the basic requirements that determine whether a project will be eligible for the 20% tax credit?
Answer
There are 4 factors that can help you decide whether your rehabilitation project proposal would meet the basic application requirements for the 20% tax credit.
1. The historic building must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places or be certified as contributing to the significance of a “registered historic district.”
Some eligible items include:
Walls
Partitions
Floors
Ceilings
Permanent coverings, such as paneling or tiles
Windows and doors
Components of central air conditioning or heating systems
Plumbing and plumbing fixtures
Electrical wiring and lighting fixtures
Chimneys
Stairs
Escalators, elevators, sprinkler systems, fire escapes
Other components related to the operation or maintenance of the building
Some ineligible items include:
Appliances
Cabinets
Carpeting (if tacked in place and not glued)
Decks (not part of original building)
Demolition costs (removal of a building on property site)
New construction costs or enlargement costs (increase in total volume)
Fencing
Feasibility studies
Financing fees
Furniture
Landscaping
Leasing expenses
Outdoor lighting remote from building
Parking lot
Paving
Planters
Porches and porticos (not part of original building)
Retaining walls
Sidewalks
Signage
Storm sewer construction costs
Window treatments
3. The project must meet the “substantial rehabilitation test.” In brief, this means that the cost of rehabilitation must exceed the pre-rehabilitation cost of the building. Generally, this test must be met within two years or within five years for a project completed in multiple phases.
4. The rehabilitation work must be done according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. These are ten principles that, when followed, ensure the historic character of the building has been preserved in the rehabilitation.
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/tax/incentives/index.htm
Tags: elevator preservation, historic building tax credit
Posted in Articles | 1 Comment
The History of the American Elevator Industry: 1850-2001
Friday, June 5th, 2009
This wonderful book written by Patrick A. Carrajat on the history of the American Elevator Industry from 1850 – 2001 is now free to everyone to read. Thanks Patrick for writing such a great history book. Cool photographs combined with a wonderful time line helps this book reach its goal in preserving the history of the American Elevator Industry.
We have two versions of this book online, one that is a full resolution version which is very large in size and the other is a much smaller web quality resolution.
If you’d like to send Patrick a note thanking him for his hard work please drop him an e-mail.
LIR GROUP, INC. – 4-74 48th avenue – Penthouse 3H – L.I.C., NY 11109 – 917.748.2328 – wizard@elevatorlaw.comDownload This Great Book Below – Two Resolution Sizes To Choose From
The History of the American Elevator Industry 1850-2001 – Full Resolution 86.7mb .PDF File
The History of the American Elevator Industry 1850-2001 -Web Quality Resolution 4.7mb .PDF File
Tags: elevator Americana, elevator history, elevator industry history
Posted in Articles, Elevators - 1991-2010, Elevators - Pre 1900's | 2 Comments
Historic Building/Elevator Architecture
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
When it comes to historic buildings and historic preservation projects the elevator itself can be one of the most important parts of the redesign process. Back when buildings with elevators were first built, in the early 1900’s, many had elevator operators who were considered the heart and soul of a building. To find an original elevator in its original condition, with car switch, ornamental gates or cages is a rare find.
When working on a historic preservation project it is important to know that it is possible to balance both a historic “look” of yesterday with code compliant features of today. Besides the elevator cab the control panel or pushbuttons of the elevator are the only pieces that a person comes into contact with. Which makes it that much more important to match the architecture of the building with the appropriate elevator accessories.
C.J. Anderson & Company’s Classic Antique Fixtures provide the perfect solution to maintaining the historic preservation of any building while at the same time helping bring the elevator up to code. Heavy solid cast yellow brass faceplates and pushbuttons take any passenger back in time and helps turn the elevator back into the showpiece it was when the building first opened.
C.J. Anderson has been working with historic preservation projects for over 20 years and has many different style castings to choose from. Car Stations, Hall Stations, Dial Indicators, Hall Lanterns, Elevator Seats, you name it, all of our fixtures are custom manufactured and finished by hand. Perfect for any historic building or residential project looking for more than just sheet metal faceplates and plastic pushbuttons, consider Classic Antique Fixtures for your next project. Contact us at 1-800-252-1910 for additional information or visit www.cjanderson.com today.
Posted in Articles | 4 Comments
Elevator Shaft Design & Construction Book – 1912
Friday, May 1st, 2009
I’m not sure how I stumbled upon this but Google has been busy with there online book archives. I found this treasure which dates back to 1912. This is one of the very reasons why the internet is such a useful tool. There are days that I consider myself some what of an elevator explorer. I look forward to bringing you more treasures in the future.
Not too many photographs but some very interesting information about how typical elevators were designed in the early 1900’s.
The link to the actual Google link can be found here Enjoy everyone!
Tags: elevator shaft design
Posted in Articles | 1 Comment
Welcome Antique Elevator Aficionado!
Friday, May 1st, 2009
This blog is dedicated to those of us who have a real appreciation for elevators. Not just any elevator but ones that bring a bit of yesterday with each vertical trip. You might call them antique, classic or turn of the century designed, we just call them cool!
Elevator and their operators where the life blood when buildings started to be built upward. They gave buildings character and warmth with a friendly, “What Floor Please” when you entered. They also usually acted as a security guard, knowing when offices were closed, tenants were on vacation and when visitors shouldn’t be on a certain floor.
This blog is made up of contributors who truly appreciate older elevators. If you are interested in becoming a contributor to this site please drop us a line at elevatorpreservation@gmail.com , we’d love to have you. If you see a photograph that you believe is copyrighted please let us know. All photographs and links are for non commercial purposes. It is not our intention to infringe on anyones copyright.
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