Modernizing a Landmark Building in Fast-Growing Melbourne

Taking a 35-year-old relationship into the new century

Otis is helping to make old new again with an elevator modernization project at Melbourne's 222 Exhibition Street.

Otis installed the original equipment – Otis 401s – in 1986 and maintained them for more than two decades. We then connected again in 2017 for a full modernization of the building’s 13 elevators to the latest Otis technology, which serves parking, retail and commercial spaces.

“We are proud to share in this rich history spanning decades and continuing to deliver on our promise with the latest full modernization. In meeting the needs of our customers, we completed this project ahead of schedule, and with improved efficiency – we installed the CompassPlus Destination Control System ‘up-front’ for the benefit of passengers as it reduced impact on traffic when units were taken out of service for upgrades,” said Pedro Marcal, Managing Director of Otis Australia.

CompassPlus destination dispatching acts as a virtual concierge, allowing passengers to select their destination and directing them to the best elevator – reducing wait times and resulting in faster, more efficient journeys compared to traditional two-button systems.

Installing CompassPlus dispatching “up-front” gives this benefit to passengers sooner as it reduces the impact on traffic when units were taken out of service for upgrades. The elevator system also includes the Otis EMS Panorama elevator monitoring system and Otis REM (Remote Elevator Monitoring) Elite technology.

In addition to the dispatching upgrade, the modernization project included new energy efficient permanent-magnet AC gearless machines with ReGen drives, upgraded microprocessor controllers, new car door operators and landing door equipment, updated car and counterweight guide roller systems and new car interior aesthetics. New entrances were built for two of the elevators serving higher floors, giving them access to one additional level. And the elevators serving the car park were upgraded to a new Gen2 machine roomless unit.

The smart, sustainable building has received several accolades: Silver WiredScore for Digital Connectivity, a Climate Active Certified Carbon Neutral score, a 5.5-star Nabers Energy rating and 6-star Nabers Water rating.