14th Street–Union Square: A Vital Hub in Manhattan

The 14th Street–Union Square station is a major subway complex located on the border of several neighborhoods in Manhattan, New York. It serves as a crucial transfer point between numerous subway lines, making it one of the busiest and most vital stations in the city. Its strategic location at Union Square makes it a key access point to commercial, cultural, and educational areas.

Connections and Services

The 14th Street–Union Square station is a complex integrating three distinct stations, interconnected to facilitate transfers:

Lexington Avenue Line Station (IRT)

• This part of the complex serves the Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway (IRT division).
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green)
  • 6 (green)
  • <6> (green)
• Entrances are located around Union Square Park, primarily along 14th Street and Union Square East/West (Fourth Avenue/Broadway).

Broadway and Canarsie Lines Stations (BMT)

• This part of the complex serves the Broadway and Canarsie lines of the New York City Subway (BMT division).
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • L (gray – Canarsie Line)
  • N, Q, R, W (yellow – Broadway Line)
• Entrances for these lines are also located around Union Square, with specific access points for each platform.

The interconnection within the complex allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Lexington Avenue, Broadway, and Canarsie lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath and around Union Square Park, at the intersection of 14th Street, Union Square East (Fourth Avenue), and Union Square West (Broadway).
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations and neighborhoods such as:

  • Union Square

    • Union Square Park: Famous for its farmers market (Greenmarket), events, and green space.
    • Shopping area with numerous stores and restaurants.
    • Access to New York University (NYU) buildings.
    • Proximity to the Daryl Roth Theatre and other cultural spaces.

  • Adjacent Neighborhoods

    • Gramercy Park: Historic residential neighborhood to the north.
    • Flatiron District: Famous commercial and architectural district to the northwest.
    • East Village: Vibrant nightlife and alternative culture to the east.

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • Theaters and concert halls (Irving Plaza, Webster Hall).
    • Educational institutions like The New School and parts of NYU.

History and Evolution

• The first part of the complex, the Lexington Avenue Line station (IRT), was opened on October 27, 1904, as part of the first New York City subway.
• The Broadway Line station (BMT) opened on September 4, 1917, and the Canarsie Line station (BMT) on September 21, 1924.
• The complex has undergone numerous renovations, including significant improvements to inter-line connections and accessibility (elevators).

Interesting Facts

• It is consistently one of the busiest stations in the New York City subway system, due to its large number of lines and central location.
• The station is a major hub of activity during events in Union Square, such as the Greenmarket and public demonstrations.
• It facilitates transfers between the IRT (lines 4, 5, 6) and BMT (lines L, N, Q, R, W) divisions, connecting large parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn.