Any one know what this outdoor elevator on side of building is?

Question

I was walking by one of the buildings at UIC Chicago... and it is about a 10-12 story building. on the side, near the top floor, there is a strange track outside of the building attatched to the roof but sort of protruding a bit. at the end of the building, by the "track" thing, there are doors that look similar to elevaotr doors... does anyone know what these are or what they were used for? (theyre not in service any more!)

here is a pic, you can see the track at the top

http://www.uofpp.uillinois.edu/docs/UIC/images/0924%20College%20of%20Pharmacy/0924E01%20PHARM.JPG


what is it?

I guess I'm a horrid estimator! 5 stories [= not 10 or 12.. so what was the rail thing used for if it was a fall out shelter... dont people in fall out shelters go underground?

Answer 1

some archaic window washing system perhaps?

Answer 2

College of Pharmacy. It is a 5 story building
The college used to be the fall out shelter for the area.