EPIC Wooden OTIS Escalators [Floors 6-9] Macy's Herald Square - New York, NY

Something that I have always wanted to experience was riding a wooden escalator. When I was a kid, I learned about this Macy's store and its famous 100-year-old wooden escalators. I made it a goal to come here one day and ride these. Well, I finally made it happen!!! During my time in New York, I made a special trip to this store and spent almost three hours exploring it. I filmed every escalator that I could find...and there are A LOT. This is one of the many sets of escalators in this beautiful massive department store. This particular set just goes between the 6th and 9th floors. They are beautiful and made of oak and ash. The two escalators that go between 6 and 7 are closed. At the time of filming, I thought it was just a step or drive chain replacement. Unfortunately, they are actually in the process of being removed for modernization. The rest of them, however, are still running flawlessly. Despite how beat up and worn out they look, the ride quality is so smooth! I just LOVE the sounds these things make!!
[Please Read] All of the wooden escalators in this store are set to be gone by 2025. This is a fact. I have spoken to a few Schindler mechanics who are part of this job (which is one of the biggest contracted jobs in the entire city) and they are indeed in the process of replacing every single wooden escalator. The reasons are just what you expect them to be: they are unsafe, very expensive to maintain, and replacement parts are very hard to find. It has been said by some that these are historically protected and that Macy's has fought to keep these escalators (since they are the last of their kind in the United States). I'm not sure how much of that is actually true, but time has run out for these. According to one specific mechanic I talked to, they are only keeping two wooden escalators and they will be "put on display" when the project is fully complete, whatever that means. It's heartbreaking to see history go, but all good things truly do come to an end at some point. Come enjoy this while they're still here.

[@evana6425]

These Otis escalators mark many anniversaries to come. I’m hoping these escalators will be around forever and ever

[@thomasthetrain2]

Bro is definitely in love with these

[@TheEscalatorChannel1]

110% true

[@evana6425]

I’m definitely deeply in love with these escalators

[@inactivechannel2938]

These escalators are amazing, so sad they will be gone in a few years. Well, at least they’re documented.

[@SCP-035mask]

Why Complate Is Long?🤔