An elevator system (100) includes an elevator car (102). A first drive assembly (160) engages a first tension member (112). The first tension member (112) is coupled to the elevator car (102) and to a first counter-weight (104). A second drive assembly (170) engages a second tension member (122). The second tension member (122) is coupled to the elevator car (102) and to a second counterweight (106). The first tension member (112) can be coupled to the elevator car (102) at a first position (110) and the second tension member (122) can be coupled to the elevator car (102) at a second position (120) opposite the first position (110).