Bricken Arcade Elevators & Operators

Like many of the lobbies and entrances of our old buildings, the Garment District's Bricken Arcade Building is getting a glossy contemporary makeover. Reader Leah Mulartrick wrote in to let us know:

"I am sorry to report that the elevators were replaced in the Bricken Arcade building where Mood Fabrics is at 225 west 37th. The elevators were beautiful and old and had operators. Much to my dismay, I went to Mood Fabrics the other day and the elevators were replaced with generic silver boxes."


BEFORE. Source: 42 floors

What a difference it makes.

I have not been to the Bricken Arcade, haven't visited Mood Fabrics nor taken a ride in the elevators. But it's clear from the photos that something warm and humane has been taken away.


AFTER. Photo: Leah Mulartrick

And what happened to the elevator operators? A number of Mood's customers have posted photos of them online. One called the men "chivalrous."

Leah recalls, "I would exchange pleasantries and request my floor. Then they would pull the lever and off we would go. It was the same operators for years."


Source: NBC


Source: Rita's Sew Fun


Source: Blog for Better Sewing

Sadly, elevator operators, like general warmth and humanity, are vanishing fast all across the city.


Source: Lola-N, flickr



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