[mjmahone17]

A big problem in the US is we don’t allow tiny elevators, except in pre-WWII buildings that already have them. In Spain I’ve seen new 4 story flats with 1-2 units per floor with a small 2-person sized elevator. In the US that elevator would need to be much larger, as it needs to fit a stretcher (despite the fact that if the elevator wasn’t there, the stretcher would be taking the stairs anyways). But because a single elevator in the US takes up so much space they cause floor plans to get really weird and it makes it difficult to justify the expense.

[unethical_ban]

The apartment that my friend lived in is stereotypical. It had probably 300-400 units over seven floors. Not a 5-over-1, but similar design. Cloistered hallways with balconies facing exterior or to interior pool/parking garage areas.

In that building there were two elevators - one "normal" for US standards and one oversized, presumably for moving.

I don't think it's unreasonable to have such a setup for a large building, particularly with how large furniture and beds can be.