T
ony Sciallia is one of the last manual elevator operators in New York City, a relic of a bygone era. For 25 years, he's been pulling shut an accordion gate and manually transporting riders up and down on one of Manhattan's remaining hand-operated elevators at the historic 863 Park Ave. co-op near East 77th Street.

    Sciallia takes pride in his work, leveling floors with precision and greeting residents like a concierge. He's become an integral part of tenants' daily routines and lives, often being the first person they see in the morning and the last when they leave for good. With only about 50 hand-operated elevators remaining across Manhattan, Sciallia knows his days may be numbered.

    The elevator itself is a charming anachronism – wood-paneled, brass-accented, and manually operated by a rotary lever that requires finesse. Sciallia has trained newcomers to operate the elevator, teaching them the trick of leveling it smoothly with just three tries. He's seen generations grow up, helped residents through difficult chapters, and believes the job is about far more than just moving between floors.

    For Sciallia, relationships are what make the job meaningful. "You're not just an elevator operator," he says. "You play the psychiatrist role. You hear their issues, problems... you can read it on their faces." He's witnessed children grow up from stroller rides to driver's licenses and has been a constant presence in residents' lives.

    Sciallia knows that when modernization catches up with him, he'll miss the people the most. "Nothing lasts forever," he says, but for now, he's content to continue his daily ritual of bringing residents around, one floor at a time.