Abstract: An elevator system includes an elevator support for supporting an elevator cab, a pair of elevator support rails, a hydraulic jack having a piston, and a sheave mechanically coupled to the piston to form a piston-sheave assembly. The elevator support rails have opposing guide members on opposite sides thereof and extending therefrom. A first pair of opposing guide members face away from each other and extend outwardly away from their respective elevator rail. A second pair of opposing guide members face each other and extend inwardly away from their respective elevator rail. An engaging system permits the travelling of both the elevator support and the piston-sheave assembly on the guide members of the elevator support rails. A cable is operatively connected to the elevator support, the sheave, and a fixed reference, such that the hydraulic jack and the sheave are confined between the opposing ends of the elevator rails during operation of the elevator.