It’s only appropriate to start this IRT-focused series with a City Hall loop post. This iconic spot is probably the most well known abandoned station in NYC, and for good reason. The station was designed by Rafael Guastavino and features breathtaking architecture, with arched ceilings, colored tiles, chandeliers, and skylights. It was designed to be the crown of the original IRT subway—the first subway line in NYC—opening with the rest of the line up to 145th St on October 27th, 1904.
As time went on, the IRT lengthened trains and stations from 5 cars to 10 cars to increase capacity. This would be the downfall of the City Hall loop station: since it was built so close to the Brooklyn Bridge station, an express stop, it was illogical to lengthen the City Hall platform to 10 cars. As a result, revenue service at the station was discontinued on December 31st, 1945. However, the loop is still used to turn (6) trains from the downtown to the uptown track, as Brooklyn Bridge is the southern terminal station. It is still possible to see the station without endangering oneself: the Transit Museum offers tours a few times a year to members, though tickets sell out quickly; it is also possible to stay on the (6) train after Brooklyn Bridge, the station is visible through the window (although this is technically against the rules, it’s unlikely anyone will stop you). Also, to make it very clear, I do NOT condone “subway surfing” into the station. It is dangerous and people often get hurt trying this method of entry.
This series will heavily focus on the original IRT subway line, which ran up the East Side, across 42nd St, and up the West Side, starting at City Hall and terminating at 145th St/Broadway. This original line has many interesting artifacts of another time, for which there is plenty to write. That’s not to say there won’t be some focus on other lines—there are definitely many more “IRT Intricacies” outside of the original line and outside of Manhattan, and I am excited to discuss them.
