MORRISTOWN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Schindler Elevator Corporation has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to install its PORT (Personal Occupant Requirement Terminal) elevator technology by real estate development company Related Midwest in Partnership with AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust at 516 Lakeshore Drive in Chicago. A 45-story, 500-unit luxury rental apartment tower, it is the first building in Chicago to benefit from Schindler’s award-winning destination dispatch elevator technology.

Best understood as the central nervous system of a building, the PORT Technology functions as a two-way communication interface between the occupants and the building’s environment. The system’s visible aspect is a sleek, futuristic device positioned at access points and elevators around the building. Behind the stylish touch screen is a powerful patented access control software system, capable not only of calculating the optimum route to any destination within the building, but also of “learning” how its occupants typically move around. With this information, PORT Technology primes the elevators to direct and transport people quickly and safely to their individual destinations. The system uses card readers or other media using RFID technology to identify passengers and automatically call elevators to take them most efficiently to their desired floors, customizing and personalizing each trip to the specific needs of the individuals.

“The PORT Technology recognizes occupants and responds to their individual needs,” says Michael Landis, vice president, Marketing for Schindler. “What makes the system special is the ease with which the building’s manager can design applications to accommodate a wide range of needs in real time. Whether it’s helping to meet new energy- efficiency goals, updating security, scheduling maintenance or adapting to people with special needs, unprecedented levels of customization can be achieved.”

“Related is excited to be the first to bring this innovative technology to Chicago. We continue to pride ourselves on producing only the most cutting edge Real Estate product,” says Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “The convenience and luxury this new system will offer our residents is fundamental to the high standard of living we provide.”

PORT Technology Energy-Saving Features

Each PORT terminal’s proximity sensor tells it when to be active and at all other times puts it into low energy consumption mode. When the terminal screen illuminates, an ambient light sensor determines only the brightness level required, again optimizing energy usage. The PORT Technology helps ensure elevator trips are as efficient as possible. This produces a very resourceful use of energy even during heavy traffic. During light traffic the PORT Energy Control Option places nonessential elevators into an energy-conserving standby mode.

Energy Efficient Elevators

Schindler 7000 custom high-rise elevators will transport apartment residents to their destinations. Using the latest technology in elevator design and highly efficient permanent magnet motors, Schindler 7000 elevators feature Power Factor 1 drives that reduce energy consumption by up to 35% compared to standard drives and regenerate energy back into the building’s electrical system. The recovered energy can be used to power other building demands such as lighting, air conditioning or other equipment. The Power Factor 1 drive generates less heat, providing additional savings through reduced cooling requirements for the machine room.

Scheduled to open for residents in May 2013, the building will be an impressive addition to the Chicago skyline offering signature views of Lake Michigan and access to unrivaled amenities. Designed by architects from Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) and constructed by General Contractor Lend Lease, it will include 500 residential rental apartments, a parking garage, and retail space. The development will incorporate sustainable features to increase energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality, and is anticipating LEED Silver certification.

About Related Companies

Related Companies is the most prominent privately-owned real estate firm in the United States. Formed over 39 years ago, Related is a fully-integrated, highly diversified industry leader with experience in virtually every aspect of development, acquisitions, management, finance, marketing and sales. Headquartered in New York City, Related has offices and major developments in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco and South Florida and boasts a team of approximately 2,000 professionals. For more information on Related Companies, please visit http://www.related.com.

About Schindler Elevator Corporation

Schindler Elevator Corporation is the North American operation of the Switzerland-based Schindler Group, a leading global mobility provider with approximately 43,000 employees operating in more than 100 countries. Schindler supports sustainable urban development with safe, reliable and ecologically sound mobility solutions and its equipment moves one billion people every day all over the world. In 2011, Schindler was named one of Forbes Magazine’s 100 Most Innovative Companies, and two of the company’s products received the 2011 Architectural Products’ Product Innovation Award. For additional information about Schindler Elevator Corporation, visit the company’s Web site at http://www.us.schindler.com.

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