145th Street: A Key Complex in Upper Manhattan

The name ‘145th Street’ refers to a set of subway stations located along 145th Street in Upper Manhattan, New York City. They serve as important access and transfer points (although not internally connected) between several key subway lines, making them crucial hubs for residents and visitors in Harlem. Their strategic location establishes them as vital access points to some of Manhattan’s most historic and culturally significant neighborhoods.

Connections and Services

The ‘145th Street’ complex consists of three distinct stations, located at different intersections along 145th Street:

145th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • A (blue)
  • B (orange – weekdays only)
  • C (blue – except late nights)
  • D (orange)
• Main entrance address: West 145th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY

145th Street (IRT Lenox Avenue Line)

• This is a local station on the IRT Lenox Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the service:
  • 3 (red)
• Entrances to this station are located on 145th Street and Lenox Avenue.

Unlike other complexes, these 145th Street stations are not connected underground; transfers between lines require exiting to the street and walking between the different station locations.

Importance and Location

• The stations are located along 145th Street at the intersections with key avenues such as St. Nicholas, Lenox, and Broadway (the latter for the 1 train), in the heart of Harlem, Manhattan.
• Their strategic location makes them key access points to important destinations such as:

  • Harlem Central

    • Known for its rich African American cultural history and landmarks.
    • Apollo Theater.
    • St. Nicholas Historic District (Striver’s Row).
    • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

  • Hamilton Heights / City College

    • A historic residential neighborhood with notable architecture.
    • Home to the City College of New York (CCNY).
    • Hamilton Grange National Memorial (home of Alexander Hamilton).
    • Access to Jackie Robinson Park.

  • Other Nearby Points of Interest

    • Riverbank State Park: A unique state park built atop a wastewater treatment plant.
    • Numerous restaurants, shops, and cultural centers in Harlem.

History and Evolution

• The IRT stations (Lenox Avenue Line and Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line at Broadway/145th) opened in 1904, as part of the city’s first subway lines.
• The IND station (Eighth Avenue Line at St. Nicholas Ave/145th) opened on September 10, 1932.
• The stations have undergone various renovations throughout their history to maintain and improve service and accessibility.
• There is no direct underground connection built between the three separate 145th Street stations.

Interesting Facts

• They are key stations with significant passenger volume, serving as a vital transportation hub in Upper Manhattan.
• Their location in Harlem makes them important access points to the neighborhood’s vibrant history, culture, and community.
• They represent a unique case where the same street name designates three important but physically separate subway stations on different lines and avenues, with no direct internal connection for transfers.