A Last Ride in New York's Disappearing Horse Elevators

Historical Context & Significance - The building housing the elevator was originally a stable, converted due to high real estate costs over 100 years ago [1][2] - The area was the epicenter of New York City from the end of the Civil War to 1900, with stables being central to the culture [2][3] - The elevator was installed in a five-story brick stable built around 1888, owned by someone connected to the Fifth Avenue Hotel [4] - Elevators revolutionized building design, making higher rooms more desirable [5] Regulatory & Technological Obsolescence - The existing elevator is grandfathered in, but new safety laws will outlaw it by 2025, necessitating replacement [6] - The old elevator technology struggles to meet modern codes and brake testing standards [12] Project Execution & Challenges - The elevator removal project presents unique challenges due to its age and design for hauling horses [9][25] - The team takes pride in possessing the skills and knowledge to work on such a rare and complex system [27] - The motor shorted out during the removal process, complicating the job [13][17] - The elevator's last ride was when it came up, and it is now being manually run by a hoist [29][30]