Elevators Were Once Off Limits in Emergencies. That’s Changing.

Elevator Technology

Author

Franco Faraudo
September 24, 2025

Propmodo Technology

In partnership with

By Franco Faraudo · September 24, 2025

Greetings,

The big news this week is that Compass has agreed to acquire Anywhere Real Estate in a $1.6 billion all-stock deal. The merger is aimed at consolidating the U.S. residential real estate market and strengthening Compass’s position against rival brokerages. It will unite Compass’s technology-focused brokerage with Anywhere’s well-known brands, including Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and Sotheby’s International Realty.

The combined company would bring together about 340,000 real estate professionals worldwide and could boost Compass’s market share to 18%. The deal also positions Compass to better compete with Zillow, particularly in the contentious area of off-market listings. By growing larger, Compass can pursue more of these sales while absorbing the impact of Zillow’s restrictions on listings that appear privately before being syndicated to local MLSs.

This week we are focusing on elevator technology. 9/11 left a permanent mark on the country’s psyche. But what many don’t know is that the tragedy also changed the way we think about the use of elevators in an emergency. Codes have been rewritten to allow elevators to be used in a fire or other crisis and now elevator technology has been developed to help keep elevators in service during emergencies and communicate important information to building occupants.

Let’s go!

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Elevator Technology

Elevators Were Once Off Limits in Emergencies. That’s Changing.

On 9/11, thousands in the Twin Towers faced a grim reality: stairs moved far too slowly, and elevators—long barred by safety codes—were off limits. That day exposed a fatal flaw in skyscraper evacuation plans and set off a rethinking of how people escape tall buildings. In the years since, new codes have transformed elevators from hazards into lifelines. Reinforced shafts, hardened power systems, dynamic signage, and voice-guided alarms now make vertical evacuation possible, blending technology with trained staff to move people faster and safer when every second matters.

https://propmodo.com/elevators-were-once-off-limits-in-emergencies-thats-changing/

Bytes

🤖 AI acceptance
A new study by the National Association of Realtors has shown that AI is being used more in residential real estate as 46 percent of the agents surveyed said that they had used AI-generated content.

🧠 Brain in the building
The building equipment manufacturer Trane has rolled out an AI agent in more than a dozen languages that can help buildings be more efficient and reduce the need for repairs.

🏳️ If you can’t beat ‘em
WeWork is expanding its co-working partner network to include over 1,000 new locations throughout North America.

Overheard

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Real Estate Agents Want Tech From Their Brokers, With Guardrails  

Real estate agents want broker-provided technology that saves time and supports their business, but they also demand training, flexibility, and data ownership safeguards to truly adopt these tools.

https://propmodo.com/real-estate-agents-want-tech-from-their-brokers-with-guardrails//

“I Spent 90% of My Time Cold Calling” — How AI Changed That

AI-powered platform Terrakotta helps new commercial real estate agents replace endless cold calls with verified owner lists, automated outreach, and personalized follow-ups to accelerate client building and boost productivity.

https://propmodo.com/i-spent-90-of-my-time-cold-calling-how-ai-changed-that/

Smart Glass Is Better Than Dumb Glass, So Why Isn't It In More Buildings?

Smart glass is transforming skylines and interiors with dynamic glazing that reduces glare, improves energy efficiency, and enhances comfort as it moves from a luxury feature to mainstream building technology.

https://propmodo.com/smart-glass-is-better-than-dumb-glass-so-why-isnt-it-in-more-buildings/

When Office Security Becomes a Matter of Survival

Workplace violence is rising, forcing office owners to rethink security. From training and communication to technology and staffing, discover how buildings can prepare and protect workers in today’s uncertain environment.

https://propmodo.com/when-office-security-becomes-a-matter-of-survival/

The Future of Architectural Renderings Looks Like Movie Making

Gensler is using AI to turn static architectural renderings into human-centered stories, blending characters, video, and emotion to help clients and developers imagine buildings through the lives lived inside them.

https://propmodo.com/the-future-of-architectural-renderings-looks-like-movie-making/

How Lease Tech Is Helping Companies Stay Ahead of Renewals and Risks

Managing commercial leases is complex, but new technology is helping companies centralize data, automate processes, and turn sprawling portfolios into strategic assets that improve visibility, compliance, and long-term leasing decisions.

https://propmodo.com/how-lease-tech-is-helping-companies-stay-ahead-of-renewals-and-risks/

Parking Operators Are Using Dynamic Pricing to Boost Profits

As building revenues decline, owners are turning to smarter parking operations. Dynamic pricing, data tracking, and seamless tech can transform underused lots into profitable, user-friendly assets with minimal friction.

https://propmodo.com/parking-operators-are-using-dynamic-pricing-to-boost-profits/

Propmodo Technology is edited by Franco Faraudo with contributions from readers like you and the Propmodo team.

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