Spent a lifetime in construction working with, for and around real estate owners and developers. I have no doubt such a thing could have been said. Would he insist on it and fight about it if ignored — who knows?
I had a developer after a frustrating design session throw his notebook on the floor and scream at an architect, “we aren’t building this building for some damn cripple!!!!” His assistant, the son of a judge, about had a stroke.
But you know what, he was right. Rules for fair and safe public accommodation for handicapped are important, but the ability to comply should be handled seamlessly with little impact to the property owner by a good designer.
“we aren’t building this building for some damn cripple!!!!”
Years ago my friend had a software company that they ran out of what used to be a house, but now it was just a business. All mail-order stuff. The “new” rules to be handicap accessible came through (early 80’s???). They had to build a ramp and redo a bathroom for their “business”, even though no customers ever would come to their door.
A few years ago a new fire house was being built on Maui and required full ADA compliance. Elevator, ADA bathrooms, Braille and the whole shabang. Now mind you this is a firehouse where active firemen live. Public not allowed. But had to make sure those crippled and blind firefighters had everything they needed.