C.W. Burfle mentioned it earlier, and the word is GRANDFATHERED! It was built to code at the time, and can stay as long it isn't modified. One change to the structure, and it all has to be brought up to current code, unless there is a good reason which makes it impossible to do so. Then a variance must be obtained. The railroads might qualify easily on this front.
For those ADA haters out there, I couldn't disagree with you more. I'm not disabled yet, but I'm slowing down, and stairs are not getting any easier. All you able body types can curse it, but it was landmark legislation, one of the best things BushI ever signed.
Loosely related to this topic: The NYC subway system is making itself more accessible all the time. Most of the larger stations have elevators now. It is always a two stage trip, from street to turnstile mezzanine, then from there in a second elevator to the platform. You have to be well versed in the locations, because many are a long way from where you get off the train, if you don't know better. It's no picnic, but ADA made it possible!
We in this country, have had nearly 30 years to get used to all the changes ADA brought us. We hardly notice them anymore. All you have to do to see the difference is visit Canada. They have no national standard for architectural improvements for the disabled. I was in Downtown Toronto a few years ago, and was horrified by what someone thought was a wheelchair ramp. It was only about five feet high, the problem was it was also only about five feet long. It sure looked like a 45 degree angle, then there were tiny steps down the middle that someone would use to walk the wheelchair up or down. I wish I had taken a photo. We take something as simple as a handrail on a stairway for granted. Again in Toronto, at the railroad station (just to get my rant back on the rails) this long marble stairway had NONE. When you're used to hanging to one, the journey up is a lot more difficult without.
Finally, if you think ADA was a bad idea, imagine yourself in a wheelchair! That should change your tune. ADA has made this country better, by allowing the disabled among us more freedom and a chance to go places and do things that the rest of us just take for granted.
