our pre-war building has a wonderful and beautiful manned elevator which in fine condition. it also has an automatic elevator. Unfortunately, a former board member has been pushing for years to demolish the front elevator and install a second automated one. Sadly our board spoke to elevator consultants hwo convinced them they need to spend about 500k because the old one is "obsolete." I have spoken to several knowledgable elevator mechanics (managers) and they all say - "No don't do it - if it is not broken why fix it?" They all say that managing agents push for consultants who then push for the big replacement as they - well let me just say this - they benefit financially. Plus they push for a service contract. This is really sad and I urge Board members to really, truly do their research and to not be naive. Why touch a wonderful well made elevator when the new ones cost actually cost more to maintain and do not have the long lifespans of the older ones which are made with more solid materials and simpler mechanics.? Wake up everyone!!