The crosswalk button works here in DC. Case in point: A child singlehandedly caused a traffic jam by continuously pressing the crosswalk button during rush hour, interrupting the light cycle.

Also, thermostats in most newer buildings do work - to a point: they are generally restricted to 72 to 76 degrees as the entire building system is computer-controlled.

I can vouch for the close-door button. I spoke to an elevator tech. during routine maintenance. He informed me that the button does work when the system is not in "rush mode".