Landmark Center – Boston, MA

Elevator Interior Design was selected as the company of choice to design and build the wrought iron ‘Atrium’ observation elevator cab and hoistway, as part of the renovation of The Landmark Center in Boston, a limestone and brick art deco building that's listed in the National Register of Historic Places. EID collaborated with Elkus Manfredi, Samuels & Associates, Suffolk Construction and Otis Elevator to create a one-of-a-kind architectural element and experience within the center, which was formerly the Sears Building and is located a short distance from the city's bustling Kenmore Square area.

The challenge for EID was to create the impression of a turn-of the-century ‘open grille’ elevator cab and hoistway while conforming to current safety code requirements for modern day elevators and public safety. EID's design team created a layered panel system that employed decorative wrought iron on one face with a support frame on the back face. Low iron Bendheim Glass was sandwiched in the middle of the structure, which - when in place - disappeared, creating the illusion of an open hoistway and cab. EID also designed a discreet hinge and lock mechanism into each panel for housekeeping and cleaning purposes.

Designed by George C. Nimmons, The Landmark Center was built in 1929 as a warehouse for Sears, Roebuck and Company and was subsequently designated in 1991 as a National Historic Landmark. The Landmark Center is located at the intersection of Park Drive and Brookline Avenue, where the Riverway and the Back Bay Fens - two links of the Emerald Necklace park system designed in the 19th century by Fredrick Law Olmstead - meet.