The internet is big business these days. Companies and organizations are increasingly spending (aka $$$$) on web site design and making their online presence "up-to-date" and "user friendly" in general.
As to Elsmar - Well, I'm thinking... It's not cheap and easy to <warning - car analogy ahead> restore a 1936 FORD </warning - car analogy>. Elsmar is pretty ancient by today's standards with respect to design. Then again, I think it's "comfortable".