190th Street: Elevated Access to Washington Heights

The 190th Street station is a subway station located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, New York City. It serves the IND Eighth Avenue Line and is one of the deepest stations in the city’s subway system. Its most notable feature is the elevators that connect the platforms with the street-level exits and the pedestrian tunnel leading to Bennett Avenue, offering unique access to Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters.

Connections and Services

The 190th Street station is a single station serving one main subway line:

190th Street (Eighth Avenue Line)

• This station is part of the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following service:
  • A (blue)
• Main entrance address: Fort Washington Avenue near 190th Street (via elevators) and Bennett Avenue (via tunnel and elevators), New York, NY.

Notable Features

• The station has a set of high-capacity elevators that transport passengers between the platform level and the upper mezzanine at Fort Washington Avenue.
• A long pedestrian tunnel connects the elevator mezzanine with an additional entrance on Bennett Avenue.
• The station entrances provide direct access to Fort Tryon Park.

The station is notable for its depth underground and the indispensable use of elevators for main access from Fort Washington Avenue.

Importance and Location

• The station is located in Washington Heights, with entrances on Fort Washington Avenue near 190th Street and on Bennett Avenue south of 192nd Street.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters

    • An extensive park with gardens, paths, and panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
    • Home to The Met Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe.
    • Ideal for walks, picnics, and enjoying nature in the city.

  • Washington Heights

    • A vibrant residential neighborhood known for its diverse community and rich history.
    • Proximity to the George Washington Bridge.
    • Offers a variety of local shops and restaurants.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Highbridge Park: Another large park offering recreation and views of the Harlem River.
    • Yeshiva University: Main Wilf Campus located in the area.

History and Evolution

• The 190th Street station was inaugurated on September 10, 1932, as part of the first line of the Independent Subway System (IND), the Eighth Avenue Line.
• Designed to serve the Washington Heights area and provide access to Fort Tryon Park, which was being developed at the time.
• The station, including its characteristic elevators and the Bennett Avenue tunnel, has been recognized for its historical and architectural importance, being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the deepest stations in the New York City subway system, located approximately 140 feet (43 meters) below street level.
• The main access via elevators is a distinctive and necessary feature due to the station’s depth.
• It offers convenient and direct access to The Met Cloisters, a world-renowned cultural attraction.