An elevator apparatus is provided with an elevator path having a restricted height. Under a roping ratio of 1:1, a thin driving unit having a traction sheave 1 and a driving mechanism 2 is positioned between an inner wall 3a of the elevator path 3 and a space occupied by an elevator car 4 rising and falling in the elevator path 3. One end of a suspension rope 7 is fixed to the elevator car 4 in a position below a ceiling 4c of the elevator car 4. With the arrangement, the car 4 can move close to the ceiling 4c of the elevator car 4 effectively. Further, it is possible to reduce respective heights of the elevator path 3 and a building equipped with the elevator apparatus.