A method (160) for constructing a building (92) with an elevator system (20) is disclosed. The method (160) may include forming a first hoistway (22) for the elevator system (20) within two adjacent levels (82, 84) of the building (92), installing a first stationary part (54) of a first linear permanent magnet motor within the first hoistway (22), placing a first elevator car (24) within the first hoistway (22), mounting a first moving part (52) of the first linear permanent magnet motor on the first elevator car (24), and using the first stationary part (54) and the first moving part (52) of the first linear permanent magnet motor to generate a vertical thrust force to move the first elevator car (24) within the first hoistway (22), the first elevator car (24) carrying at least one of passengers, equipment and materials for construction of upper levels of the elevator system (20) and the building (92).