Long Island City–Court Square: A Key Hub in Queens

The Long Island City–Court Square station is a subway complex located in the Long Island City neighborhood of Queens, New York. It serves as an important transfer point between several key subway lines, making it a vital station for travel within Queens and to other boroughs. Its strategic location in the heart of the growing Long Island City center makes it a fundamental access point to one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing areas of the city.

Connections and Services

The Long Island City–Court Square station is a complex of three distinct but interconnected stations:

Flushing Line (Elevated)

• This part of the complex is an elevated local station on the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the service:
  • 7 (purple)
• Main entrance address: Jackson Avenue and 23rd Street, Long Island City, NY 11101

Crosstown and Queens Boulevard Lines (Underground)

• This part of the complex consists of two interconnected underground stations: one on the Crosstown Line and another on the Queens Boulevard Line.
• It is served by trains of the services:
  • G (lime green – Crosstown Line)
  • E (blue – Queens Boulevard Line)
  • M (orange – Queens Boulevard Line)
• Entrances to these sections of the station are located around Court Square, Jackson Avenue, and 23rd Street.

The interconnection between these three stations, facilitated by passageways and moving walkways, allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Flushing, Crosstown, and Queens Boulevard lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located in the Court Square area of Long Island City, Queens.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Long Island City (LIC)

    • A rapidly growing residential, commercial, and cultural center.
    • Numerous office buildings, including One Court Square (formerly the Citigroup Building).
    • Modern residential developments and access to the waterfront.

  • Cultural Institutions

    • MoMA PS1: An important contemporary art center affiliated with the Museum of Modern Art.
    • SculptureCenter: An exhibition space dedicated to contemporary sculpture.
    • Proximity to art galleries and emerging cultural spaces in LIC.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Court Square Park: A central green space in the area.
    • Gantry Plaza State Park: A riverfront park with spectacular views of Manhattan (a short distance away).

History and Evolution

• The Flushing Line station (elevated) originally opened on November 5, 1916.
• The Crosstown Line station (underground) opened on August 19, 1933. The Queens Boulevard Line station (underground) opened on August 28, 1939.
• The complex has undergone significant renovations and connection projects, notably the connection between the G and 7 lines completed in 2001 and the connection with the E and M lines in 2011, creating the current complex.
• These improvements have been crucial for facilitating transfers and enhancing accessibility in response to the growth of Long Island City.

Interesting Facts

• Passenger volume has increased significantly due to residential and commercial development in Long Island City.
• Its multi-level structure and connections between different lines (some via moving walkways) make it an architecturally interesting complex.
• It is a fundamental transportation hub for Queens residents and for travelers moving between Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.