Hidden beneath the bustling streets of the East Village, New York, are remnants of subway stations that have long been abandoned. These forgotten stops offer a glimpse into the city's transit history and urban development.
The 18th Street Station
The 18th Street Station, part of the original Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) line, opened in 1904. Located between 14th Street and 23rd Street stations, it was closed in 1948 due to its proximity to other stops and the need for platform extensions to accommodate longer trains. The station's tiled walls and mosaics still exist, albeit in a state of decay.
The Worth Street Station
Another lesser-known station is the Worth Street Station, which opened in 1904 and was closed in 1962. Situated on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line, it was rendered obsolete by the extension of the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station platforms. Its remnants can be seen as trains pass through the area, including the intricate mosaic tiling that was characteristic of early New York City subway design.
91st Street Station
The 91st Street Station, which served the IRT Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line, was operational from 1904 until 1959. It was closed primarily due to its closeness to the 96th Street station, which offered better facilities. The station remains largely intact, though inaccessible to the public, preserving its original architectural features.
The City Hall Loop
The City Hall Station, often considered the crown jewel of abandoned stations, opened in 1904 and was closed in 1945. This station, designed in a Romanesque Revival style, features beautiful arches, skylights, and Guastavino tiles. Unlike other disused stations, City Hall is occasionally opened for tours, providing a rare opportunity to experience its grandeur.
Chatham Square Station
Chatham Square Station was part of the Second Avenue Elevated Line, operational from 1880 until its closure in 1955. The station was a key transfer point but was eventually abandoned when the elevated line was dismantled. Today, little remains of the station, but historical photos and maps offer a glimpse into its past significance.
South 4th Street Station
Often referred to as the "phantom station," the South 4th Street Station was never completed. Located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, this station was part of a grand plan for the IND Second System, which was halted due to funding issues during the Great Depression. The station exists as an empty shell, a testament to the city's ambitious but unrealized transit plans.
Myrtle Avenue Station
Situated on the BMT Fourth Avenue Line, the Myrtle Avenue Station was closed in 1956 to make way for the reconstruction of the neighboring DeKalb Avenue station. While the station's platforms were removed, some of its features, such as the entrance and tiling, can still be glimpsed from passing trains.
These abandoned stations, though no longer serving their original purpose, are rich with history and architectural beauty. They stand as silent witnesses to the evolution of New York City's transit system, each with its own unique story and significance.