Custom Sidewalk Lift Preserves Architectural Integrity for National Church Facility

Innovative telescoping sidewalk lift combines hidden design with heavy-duty performance.

As a national church organization continues construction of multiple new temples across the United States, maintaining the architectural integrity and aesthetic beauty of each structure has remained a top priority. These facilities require efficient material handling solutions for daily operations and deliveries, but traditional freight access systems often interfere with the visual appearance of the building exterior.

To solve this challenge, the church partnered with long-time distributor American Custom Lifts and Autoquip to develop a reliable, unobtrusive sidewalk lift system capable of transporting supplies from an upper-level receiving area down to the basement level — while remaining virtually invisible when not in use.

The result was Autoquip’s first-ever sidewalk lift utilizing a telescoping mast design and forklift-style lifting operation.

The church had previously explored solutions from other lift suppliers, but many were no longer operational or unable to provide the level of reliability and engineering support required for these highly specialized applications.

Key project requirements included:

• A discreet lift system that would not detract from the building façade
• Safe and reliable transportation of heavy supply deliveries
• Flush loading and unloading at basement level
• Compact installation within a constrained hoistway
• Proven hydraulic lifting technology suitable for repeated daily use

The church needed a dependable long-term solution that could also be replicated across future temple projects nationwide.

Working closely with American Custom Lifts, Autoquip designed a hydraulic sidewalk lift engineered specifically for the application. The selected model incorporates a telescoping mast system with a unique roof bow mechanism that manually activates and lifts the sidewalk doors as the platform rises to grade level.

A telescoping lift design was critical for this application because it was the only solution capable of allowing the platform/carriage to extend above the upper level while still fully supporting the platform throughout travel and loading operations. This design provided the necessary vertical reach and structural stability within the project’s confined hoistway and architectural limitations.

When lowered, the system remains completely concealed beneath the sidewalk surface, preserving the clean architectural appearance of the structure.

Unlike conventional freight elevators or exposed lifting systems, this design blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment while still delivering heavy-duty lifting performance.

Key Features Include:

• Telescoping mast design for compact vertical travel and extended upper-level platform support
• Electro-hydraulic lifting system for smooth and reliable operation
• Roof bow door activation system integrated into platform movement
• Flush basement loading with only a 7-inch pit depth
• Heavy-duty 4,000 lb. lifting capacity
• Secure operator controls with illuminated pushbuttons, E-stop, and keyed access

AQ Project#

174116

Preserves Architectural Appearance

One of the greatest advantages of this sidewalk lift is its ability to remain virtually invisible when not in use. Designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, the concealed system protects the aesthetic integrity of the temple exterior and surrounding façade.

Reliable Material Transport

The electro-hydraulic lifting system provides dependable vertical transportation of heavy supply deliveries between the upper receiving area and basement level. With a 4,000 lb capacity, the lift is engineered to handle demanding daily operational needs safely and efficiently.

Compact, Space-Saving Design

The telescoping mast configuration minimizes the amount of visible structure while maximizing lifting performance. Combined with a shallow 7-inch pit depth, the system offers an ideal solution for applications with limited construction space or architectural constraints.

Safe and User-Friendly Operation

The lift is equipped with illuminated press-and-hold controls, emergency stop functionality, and keyed access for enhanced operator safety and controlled usage. Flush loading at the basement level also improves ease of loading and unloading materials.

Custom Engineered for Specialized Applications

Unlike off-the-shelf lifting equipment, this solution was specifically engineered to meet the church’s unique operational and aesthetic requirements. The innovative roof bow door system integrates directly into platform movement, simplifying operation while maintaining a clean appearance.

Long-Term Dependability

After experiencing challenges with previous suppliers, the church sought a trusted and reliable solution partner. Through the collaboration between Autoquip and American Custom Lifts, the project delivered a durable, repeatable sidewalk lift design capable of supporting future temple construction projects nationwide.

Scale for Future Facilities

As additional temple projects continue across the United States, this sidewalk lift design establishes a proven standard that can be adapted for future installations while maintaining consistency in performance, reliability, and architectural integration.