Architects of the New York City Subway
Submitted by derekjeter on Wed, 2007-03-28 12:11.
There's an interesting exhibition going on now at Grand Central Terminal celebrating the work of Heins & La Farge and the New York City subway. From 1901 to 1908 they designed subway stations and entry kiosks including one at 4/5 Bowling Green stop and the 1/2/3 72nd Street stop. Here's more information: http://www.mta.info/mta/museum/whatsnew.htm
I've heard that the old City
I've heard that the old City Hall subway station also designed by H&F in NYC (not currently in use) is wonderfully designed, although I haven't taken the time to ride the turnaround loop to see it myself.
Heins & Lafarge are also responsible for the designs of at least one building at the Bronx Zoo (a beautiful terra cotta exhibit building currently housing reptiles, I think). The small but tough Bowling Green subway station in Battery Park is really a joy to behold and demonstrates their facility with traditional design with various materials and motifs.
The GCT show should be pretty sweet!
NYC Transit Museum
This weekend I went to the NYC Transit Museum in Brooklyn. Heins & Lafarge's work was showcased as an improvement to the quality of life in New York City. There were some wonderful photos of the "brand new" city hall station- it's a real shame that station is no longer in use. Are there any plans to re-open it?
City Hall subway station
I read that the station is now so outmoded that it wouldn't make sense to re-open it. And it was originally closed in 1945 because since it sits directly under City Hall, it could be a security risk to the building above.
I found a link with some information about the station, from someone who visited (if you are a Transit Museum member, you are able to take tours). There are also some pictures of that station and links to more information.
http://www.gothamist.com/2007/02/05/a_visit_to_the.php