Elevator Failure Makes NYC Tenant Climb 53 Floors to Her Apartment

Valerie Niemiec thought she was signing up for luxury — great views, doorman service, apartment living in a 57-story building.

But just weeks into moving into the W Residences in New York City, she found herself trapped in a nightmare of repeated elevator failures, staff silence, and one rainy night climb she won’t forget.

When Elevators Fail, Stairs Become the Only Option

Over a span of weeks, both elevators in her building malfunctioned again and again, sometimes going out of service for hours or even days. For someone living above the 50th floor, that’s more than inconvenience — it’s almost a survival challenge.

One evening, she made her way up 53 flights of stairs, dog in tow, during a rainstorm. By the time she reached her door, her key card was missing. She had lost it somewhere on the climb. Exhausted and stranded, she called for help — only to be told building staff could not assist her. She offered to tip the doormen, but was met with “We can’t help you.”

Broken Communication, Broken Promises

The building’s management only compounded her frustration. During another incident, staff claimed there was only one staircase in the building, which she later discovered was false. She and her boyfriend ended up in different stairwells, passing each other without realizing it.

Other residents reported that even delivering help or assisting a pregnant neighbor was blocked by policy. The service elevators — which could have eased their plight — were off-limits to tenants. The staff defended the restrictions by saying they were following orders.

Meanwhile, new tenants continued to move in, renting units for as much as $7,000 a month, despite the ongoing failures and safety issues.

A Decision That’s Long Overdue

By the time her lease renewal came around, she had made up her mind: she was leaving. She says the promise of luxury living had been hollow.

“I feel like people have a false sense of security in these buildings,” she said. “But really, it’s all about the money.” For her, this experience became a cautionary tale — a high-rise residency that looked glamorous on paper left her facing real physical and emotional strain.

You might also want to read: TSA Can Actually See if You Have an Erection!