Local Office Elevators Have Internet Screens

Captivate Network Inc., a new media company bringing the Internet to elevators, started the second phase of its nationwide expansion into the Bay Area office market.

The firm currently has installed high-resolution, flat panel digital screens in 50 markets around the country, and now 201 Mission in San Francisco is among the latest sites.

Captivate’s elevator network provides breaking news, sports scores, local traffic and weather reports, stock quotes and other information.

Captivate also has established sales offices to service advertising clients in these new markets.

Earlier this year, Captivate completed 10-year agreements with 500 office towers nationwide to be the exclusive programming provider in the elevator. Captivate has installed screens in 50 towers in New York City, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Equity Office Properties Trust is the first office building owner to launch Captivate throughout its national portfolio. The Chicago-based real estate investment trust has introduced the service to customers in Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles and plans to roll Captivate out in 30 other cities soon. Equity Office owns the 201 Mission in San Francisco, and 550 S. Hope St. in Los Angeles.