An elevator apparatus including an elevator path having a restricted height. Under a roping ratio of 1:1, a thin driving unit having a traction sheave and a driving mechanism is positioned between an inner wall of the elevator path and a space occupied by an elevator car rising and falling in the elevator path. One end of a suspension rope is fixed to the elevator car in a position below a ceiling of the elevator car. With the arrangement, the car can move close to the ceiling of the elevator car effectively. Further, it is possible to reduce respective heights of the elevator path and a building equipped with the elevator apparatus.