UpLifting Finds: Ups & Downs at Smith Tower, Seattle, WA

(02/04/2018) This video shows what the Smith Tower was like just as the elevators were being modernized in February 2018. Thanks to Julien (Floridian Elevators) & Theodore Pfeffer for informing me of this modernization just before I went down & recorded this video.
Installer - Otis Elevator Company
Power - traction
Operation - Semi-automated
Install year - 1914
1st mod year - 2002
2nd mod year - 2018, in progress when this video was shot

[@theodorepfeffer7342]

Very sad that these got modded. The last time I was here was before I filmed elevators so I unfortunately never filmed these, but I do have a story. My mom had told security about my interest in elevators after the tour and they had invited me back the next day so I could meet this operator named Kumar. He took me up and down on one of these for about an hour. During the rides he was telling the history of these. He loved his job so much I was told he even polished the brass doors. Sadly he had passed away two years before this mod. Though I’m sad he’s gone, I’m glad he didn’t loose his job. It would’ve broken my heart.

[@FloridianElevators]

Totally agreed.

[@FloridianElevators]

When were you here? I assume he passed in 2016 as this mod took place last year... IMO one of the saddest mods of all time

[@theodorepfeffer7342]

Floridian Elevators he passed in 2015. I was here in 2012

[@FloridianElevators]

Also, I noticed none of the buttons were being pushed when this was filmed. The elevator must've been set in fully Manual mode!!!

[@FloridianElevators]

Glad you got these when you did. And glad I made it here when I did a month after you!!!

[@Railhog2102]

Riding those lifts is almost like being in an old movie.

[@SamSitar]

those elevators are gems.

[@FloridianElevators]

Dang! You took forever to get this up!!! As of now, according to Instagram, the mod is completed.

[@upanddownadventures]

Does the observation deck car have the same mod as the other elevators, or did they keep the scissor gate?

[@FloridianElevators]

@@upanddownadventures It has the same mod and the scissor gate was removed. They just kept the motor on the observation car original while the others were replaced, and it still is able to be operated manually unlike the other cars

[@upanddownadventures]

@@FloridianElevators The feature where car switch operation can be enabled with a keyswitch still exists? Very interesting that they kept that feature. Sad they got rid of the scissor gates, since these were likely some of the highest rise gated elevators in the world, but at least the new doors are glass and they didn't install windowless doors.

[@FloridianElevators]

@@upanddownadventures Yes it does! At least according to some photos I saw, and what I was told they were gonna do last year, as well as a video someone who isn't an enthusiast uploaded pre modernization...