Historic Location and Unique Constraints
This commercial elevator installation took place in the Pineville Square area of the McDonald County Historical Society Museum, a historic structure with strict preservation requirements. Because the exterior could not be altered, every element of the new work—foundation, hoistway, and elevator room—had to be built entirely inside and visually respect the original architecture as much as possible.
Those constraints shaped everything from layout to material choices. Our team removed excavation debris by hand to avoid damaging the building and safely worked around historic finishes that could not be disturbed. Careful planning of the elevator location and structure ensured the museum gained modern accessibility without sacrificing historic character.
Codes, State Inspections, and Electrical Safety
This project required a fully code‑compliant structure and electrical system suitable for commercial elevator use, including state‑inspected electrical work. The elevator support framing, foundation, and hoistway needed to meet structural codes and elevator manufacturer requirements, while the electric room and feeds had to align with state electrical code and inspection standards.
During construction, our crew discovered that the building’s existing heating and air system was expelling dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in addition to the active leaks in the roof. These conditions posed serious safety and durability risks, so E.L. Marshall Construction helped coordinate repairs and replacement, resolving issues even though they fell outside the original scope. Once complete, the building had a safer mechanical system, a tighter envelope, and code‑compliant, state‑approved electrical service for the new elevator.
Protecting Artifacts and Planning Wall Work
Because this was a working museum, protecting artifacts was a top priority. Before any demolition or framing, our team carefully moved and fully covered historic items to protect their integrity, documenting locations so exhibits could be reset correctly. This kind of project demands dust control, clean pathways, and clear boundaries to preserve public collections throughout construction.
Wall demolition and structural modifications were approached with extra caution due to the age of the building and the unknowns behind existing finishes. When planning to install an elevator in an older structure, our team focused on critical points like:
- Identify load‑bearing walls before cutting or removing openings
- Assess existing framing and masonry for capacity and hidden damage
- Plan new headers, posts, and reinforcements to carry concentrated elevator loads
E.L. Marshall Construction took time to evaluate layout and structure so that new framing blended into the historic interior while safely supporting the elevator system.
Meeting Accessibility Needs and Handling Surprises
The museum needed a way for guests—especially key supporters and older visitors—to reach the second floor without using the stairs. The finished elevator now allows some of the museum’s top contributors to see the upper level for the first time, turning previously inaccessible space into a welcoming, fully utilized part of the building.
Unexpected problems, including roof leaks and the dangerous carbon monoxide issue, could have derailed the project. Instead, our team treated them as critical safety priorities, communicated clearly with the board, and helped get them corrected so the building would be safe for staff and the public. The museum leadership appreciated that these serious issues were identified and addressed, and that trust led to additional projects for individual board members’ homes and personal structures.
Communication, Trust, and How E.L. Marshall Can Help You
Throughout this commercial elevator installation, E.L. Marshall Construction maintained constant, open communication with the museum board—sharing options, explaining code and inspection requirements, and involving them as much as they wished in every detail. That same approach applies to custom renovations, new build construction, and other specialty projects: clients stay informed, empowered, and confident in each decision.
If you are planning to install an elevator in a commercial building, upgrade a historic property, or tackle a code‑intensive renovation with state‑inspected electrical, E.L. Marshall Construction offers the experience to balance safety, compliance, and design. Contact E.L. Marshall Construction to discuss your project goals, accessibility needs, and budget, and explore how a tailored solution can make your space safer, more functional, and more welcoming to every visitor.