Dear RAE
Why is there a door suspended in the air attached to Mudd? Go out the front door of Mudd, on the left side of the ramp look at the cement column (side facing Mudd).
Don't tell us! It will take all the mystery out of life. Please!
It's an elevator access shaft door.
For those of you who don't want to know the answer to this, feel free not to read what follows.
Nope, it's not an elevator shaft access. The cement column contains mechanical systems (for heating and air-conditioning). Some of the equipment is on the "second floor" of the column, and the doors are there in case the equipment ever has to be replaced.
—RAE 4/27/92