A project to modernize the elevators and escalators in West Hartford’s Memorial Garage will begin on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

A multiyear project to upgrade elevators and escalators in West Hartford’s municipal parking facilities and other pedestrian areas will commence on Dec. 1, 2025, and is expected to continue through 2027, according to information provided by the town’s Municipal Parking Division.

Work on the elevator in the Memorial Garage in Blue Back Square will be performed first, and will begin on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, That phase of the project is expected to last through the middle of January 2026.

The elevator will be temporarily offline while the work is being performed, and although the garage will remain open, ADA access will be available from the ground floor only.

The town has advised that in order to increase accessibility and minimize disruption, there will be two additional ADA spaces designated on the first level, increasing the total number to nine. There will also be 13 spaces on Level 1 temporarily reserved for patient parking, and the ADA drop-off and pick-up area on Memorial Road will be expanded with two additional spaces to assist healthcare offices and visitors.

Directional signage will be placed at the garage entrance and in other areas.

Overall, the modernization project, which will take place in phases, will “enhance safety, accessibility, reliability, and energy efficiency across the system.” In addition to the Memorial Garage elevator, there will be upgrades to the escalators in that garage, to the elevator and escalators in Isham Garage, and to the elevator at Webster Walk.

According to the Municipal Parking Division, overall improvements will include “new elevator electrical and mechanical systems, waterproofing, and the replacement of ten escalators with energy efficient, low noise models.” There will also be architectural upgrades “to improve visibility and the overall user experience.”

Any questions or problems should be directed to the Municipal Parking Division at 860-561-8220 or [email protected].

Schindler Elevator Corporation was awarded the project through a competitive bid, according to the Town of West Hartford website.  It is expected to cost roughly $4.8 million for the complete project.

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