Rehabbing a building with a dead elevator

[Mike A.]

We have acquired another building that is mixed use.  It was an old law firm on the first floor, and the three floors above it are just empty office space. It also has an elevator that hasn't been working for decades. At least 20+ years. It's an old Otis elevator that was run by rope pulleys. I am arguing with the architect that we're grandfathered in and we shouldn't have to replace or repair it since it hasn't been operable in many decades. He is saying that since we're doing so much work, changing it from an 100% office to an office with three levels of res. apts that we'd have to do so, but he's going to look into the code on it.

Anyone dealt with issues like this? We already own the building for the last few months. We're getting the plans together for the city to receive approval for the conversion. However, this elevator can be an expensive fix. I'd say it may have worked back in the 60's or 70's. Local elevator companies in the area where the building is located has quoted 50k - 100k to repair.

Open to ideas and suggestions. I'd rather just convert to stairs.