The Forgotten Elevator to Nowhere

Milo Patterson

In the early 20th century, cities across the United States were experiencing a construction boom. Among the many buildings that rose during this time was one with an unusual feature: an elevator that opened to a blank wall. The strange design left locals scratching their heads for decades.

The most accepted theory is that the elevator was meant to connect to an expansion of the building that was never completed. Funding ran out, and instead of removing the elevator shaft entirely, the developers simply left it in place. As a result, passengers who rode all the way up were greeted by nothing but plaster and paint.

Today, the “elevator to nowhere” has become a quirky urban legend in its city. While its practical use vanished long ago, it stands as a silent reminder that even grand plans can end in unexpected ways.


Source:

Atlas Obscura – Curious Structures